Jeremy Green, Standing Eight Review

by Nolan DeBuke

Jeremy Green is a central part of the Canadian music scene. The guitarist is now releasing his latest album called, Standing Eight. The self-released album was created over a year and contains 8-songs that bring the sounds of funk, rock, and jazz to yield a funk-fusion setting showcasing some of the world’s most renowned instrumentalists. The album features drummer Keith Carlock with spotlight performances by Mike Stern, Jimmy Haslip, Robben Ford, Will Lee, Victor Wooten, Oz Noy, Tim Lefebvre, Billy Sheehan, Michel Cusson, Rich Brown, Chase Baird, Moto Fukushima, Mark Levron, and Ian Desouza. The album was mixed and mastered in Nashville by Jerry Guidroz (Winery Dogs, Flying Colors, Haken). “It was an honour paying homage to these guys. Every song was written with their uniqueness in mind, as you can tell from the title of each track,” says Green.

“No Jacket Required” features a robust cast of Mike Stern on guitar, Jimmy Haslip on bass, and Keith Carlock on drums. Green’s guitar style is one of textures as he creates different tones with his guitar. The guitar goes from clean to mildly distorted to a warm singing distortion in the various section of the song. Haslip’s bass is a huge anchor and hooks up with Carlock to form a fantastic feel. After a stylish interlude, Haslip’s agile bass solo builds to Stern’s chorus colored solo. Stern’s patient bends and quick rock-bop lines push the energy. Green comes out with a flurry of ascending notes to his expressive solo, a passionate combination of jazz and rock, a true fusion of styles.

“Ain’t No Chevy” is a seriously funky groove featuring Robben Ford on guitar, Will Lee on bass, Carlock on drums, and Mark Levron on trumpet. The composition has many sections and lets each player show their outstanding performance skills as an accompanist and soloist. Lee’s solo keeps the groove front and center before Ford’s bluesy tones sparkle above the groove. Green again builds energy by combining blues, jazz, and rock to produce a moving guitar solo of progress, taste, and groove.

Standing Eight is a beautiful fusion project by a gifted guitarist and composer. Each selection is a catchy composition that showcases the musicians Green had in mind while composing them. Every song is vital with a groove, and the different solos sound like they had a blast playing on the project. If you enjoy fusion, you will love Green’s Standing Eight.