Recently we came across the album “1990 Live” by Gilbert Engle, which his somewhat different from his latest Jazz-Fusion offerings. The album is steeped in funk-rock driven rhythms and features, male vocals Gilbert Engle (Vocals, Guitar), Reggie Smith (Guitar), Doug Meyers (Bass), Rich Nagel, Bruce Cole, Sean Peck (Drums).
Gilbert Engle music is at its best when he’s letting loose with his unique, over-the-top brand of unbridled funk-rock insanity, which runs rampant here. Everything on the album is excellent; that is true of up-tempo smokers, as well as slower, moody offerings. The lyrics are consistently humorous and clever, the grooves are consistently infectious.
If the saying is correct in its contention that faking the funk will cause one’s nose to grow, Gilbert Engle and his band-mates need not worry: This is one seriously funky live album. In fact, fans of Gilbert Engle who know him only through his studio or Jazz-Fusion recordings will find this set revelatory.
There is a ferocity here that is only hinted at on his solo efforts and his collaborative work. Engle’s vocals throughout this live concert recording are frighteningly powerful, and the always amazing slap bass playing is almost dizzying at points.
The rest of the group isn’t slouches either. Of course, this is no second-tier road band: All of the key members of Engle’s collaborative efforts are here and in every instance they improve on the Gilbert’s impressive studio work.
Gilbert Engle’s vocals shine throughout as does his guitar, which is particularly incendiary on some songs. The bass and drums are also among the highlights “1990 Live”. Anyone listening to this album should literally expect nothing but Gilbert doing whatever he finds is funky and rocking.
Although there are different genres of music on this recording, it’s still funky and rocking at the core. The beats are crazy, the songs are phenomenal, layered and constructed as only Engle can.
The loudly strummed guitars, the screaming vocals, and driving drum rhythms may be a little too much for the computer-aided music crowd – they won’t know whether to applaud at the immediacy and brilliance of it all, or run in fear of the exquisitely played live instrumentation. I will probably be hooked for life!
MORE ABOUT: Gilbert Engle is a musician, composer and artist who has been composing music for over 30 years. Gilbert started his career as a Java programmer. At age 47, he retired and has since dedicated his life to creating works of art and music full time. His music compositions include rock, jazz, fusion, blue grass and many other genres.
Follow Gilbert Engle at his OFFICIAL WEBSITE
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