George Anderson - Expressions (2012)

Bassist George Anderson of Shakatak fame is back with his sophomore release titled Expressions, a project that has everything, including a more than slight resemblance to his work with the acid jazz group with which he is most notably associated. As with Shakatak, the grooves here are catchy, tight, and full.

Joining Anderson on this cool work is a pair of competent vocalists who certainly deserve separate recognition for their standout efforts: Debby Bracknell, whose sweet, whispery and seductive vocals can be heard throughout the recording, and Fil Straughan who does a wonderful job on the track “Into U.”

As I mentioned, the album has everything (well, almost everything). Tracks 2, 3, and 4, “Back in the Day,” “Moment Away,” and “Into U,” respectively, immediately remind you of a Shakatak groove, although vocalist Straughan adds a soulful twist with his pipes on the latter track, while “Mr. G” really digs in and shows off Anderson’s creative bass style and individualism with some nifty fusion work, and “High and Mighty” pours on the syrupy soul and seduction as Bracknell drips her vocals all over you on this dreamy and beautiful track. Another wine and candlelight moment for sure.

Following that with a mid-tempo funky jam, “It’s About Time,” with Bracknell on vocals again, you come to the conclusion that this album has many a magnetic track that ends much too soon. Just as it pulls you far inside, it’s gone. You’re then compelled to hit the repeat button to get that groove back. Anderson might want to keep it goin’ a bit longer on his next project. This is some good stuff.

After another wine and candlelight moment with “Closer” and a swaying, laid-back softy called “Weakness,” Anderson shifts gears and heads into an interesting up-tempo Latin/fusion thing with “Latin Love (Amour Latino).” From there, he hops back into the Shakatak-like vein with “Wanna Make U Mine” then ends with “Inside ‘Ur’ Love,” a seemingly slow mellow track that starts off with Bracknell purring then turns into what seems to be a Latin merengue as it nears the end and the song fades. Pretty cool approach.

Once again, Anderson shows that he not only owns the chops to go it alone when he wants but has the creativity and feel to make it happen successfully. Kudos once more. ~ Ronald Jackson