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Jam-Lab: Gain
Progressive Rock/Rock Fusion
Rating: 4.5/5.0

www.jam-lab.com
Jam-Lab Music
www.myspace.com/jamlab


Jam-Lab, from southwest Michigan, features John Austin (6-string electric bass), Jim Carr (electric guitar), and Mike Curtis (electronic and acoustic drums, percussion), each having 15 years or more of live music experience playing everything from funk to jazz and heavy rock to country. Their music blends many of these styles into a rich mix of progressive rock and rock/jazz fusion. A quick spin will tell you that this trio has some excellent skills and creative ideas.

Though there is enough intricacy and, sometimes, eccentricity throughout 'Gain,' you won't have to grow a little piece of fuzz under your lower lip and sip some expensive latte to appreciate Jam-Lab's wonderful arrangements, versatile talent, and flawless execution. My enthusiasm leaned more toward numbers like 'On The Other Hand' and 'Gain' where the pace was quicker and the jamming more fiery and resolute. Another very cool piece was 'Hail To The King' which was a bit heavier in parts, and the guitar more intense.

Jam-Lab isn't afraid to apply their own unique interpretations on some unexpected songs. You'll never find an interpretation of AC/DC's 'Back In Black' quite this funky and quick: very unique. A more natural, yet still innovative, interpretation occurs when Jam-Lab covers Paul Simon's '50 Ways To Leave Your Lover' making it more smooth and soulful.

Overall, Jam-Lab's 'Gain' is a truly unique and pleasing work. I was captivated from beginning to end. Depth of talent and masterful composition meet to create some fundamental and original prog rock fusion. Highly recommended!
- Craig Hartranft

In Short

Overall, Jam-Lab's 'Gain' is a truly unique and pleasing work. I was captivated from beginning to end. Depth of talent and masterful composition meet to create some fundamental and original prog rock fusion.

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