This is the debut recording of the power trio
Niacin, comprised of organist
John Novello, bassist
Billy Sheehan, and drummer
Dennis Chambers. The pet project of
Sheehan, it is part acid jazz, part progressive rock, and part jazz-rock fusion, all built around
Novello's dominating sound. They have obviously learned from some of fusion's previous pitfalls and keep the pyrotechnics to a minimum in deference to strong grooves, patient tension building, and memorable melodies.
Chambers in particular exercises restraint and seems content to play "in the pocket," favoring his typically busy (in a good way) style. The session really belongs to
Novello, who seems to have appeared from out of nowhere, as did this band, and emerged as a key voice on an underutilized instrument. His sound is steeped in the
Jimmy Smith and
Joey DeFrancesco schools, but he avoids sounding retro or like an imitator. Listeners were hungry for this type of music and were quick to respond to
Niacin's soulful fusion. An excellent debut. ~ Robert Taylor