Voodoo Tone by Andy Rothstein

Musical transcription credits for Hal Leonard Publishing include Pearl Jam (10), Alice in Chains (Dirt), Nirvana (Incesticide) and Kiss (Greatest Hits) to name just a few. Andy graduated from Rutgers University where he majored in both Music and Computer Science. It is at Rutgers that Andy had the privilege of studying under the tutelage of both Kevin Eubanks and the late great Ted Dunbar. In addition, he studied extensively with both Steve Khan and Vinnie Zummo privately. Andy has performed extensively in top tri-state area venues over the past 20 years and has appeared on several times on television. As a leader, Rothstein’s latest release is "Voodoo Tone" where he teamed up with long time friends Tony Senatore (bass) and Lou Petto (drums).

Here is a summary of the tracks on Voodoo Tone.

BRAIN POWER displays a fierce groove thanks to bassist Tony Senatore and drummer Lou Petto, and is impressionistic of Tower of Power. This track features the phenomenal trumpet playing of Steve Jankowski-along with the masterful saxophone (alto, tenor and baritone) of Tom Timko.Tom takes the 1st solo and it is something special. Steve Jankowski has recorded and toured with Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears and Nile Rodgers to name a few. Tom Timko has toured and recorded with Gloria Estefan, Blood Sweat and Tears, Chicago, Tower of Power and Don Henley and numerous others.

#1 is a contemplative and progressive rock tune reminiscent of the late great Jeff Buckley and even Soundgarden. This song features the haunting vocals of country singer Link.

VOODOO TONE is the title track of this CD and is really the only track on the CD one may categorize as electric bebop heavily influenced by the likes of Mike Stern, John Scofield, and Bill Frisell. In fact, you may notice a vibe quite suggestive of Marc Johnson’s 1987 record “Bass Desires” featuring both Frisell and Scofield.

IF NOT NOW, THEN WHEN is a rock ballad that will draw you in instantly. The jangly guitars, percussive acoustic guitar in the background and Hammond B3 displays a vibe similar to the Wallflowers. The slide guitar, acoustic guitar and vocals give this somewhat of a country edge. The song builds up to a very soulful guitar solo at the end.

RETRO FUSO was written and arranged by Vinnie Zummo who played all instruments as well as the first guitar solo. Andy plays the head along with Vinnie, as well as the 2nd guitar solo. This is a great tune with a hard edge and reminiscent of Jan Hammer with the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Vinnie Zummo is a top call NYC session ace who has toured and/or recorded with Joe Jackson and Daltrey among many others.

ABSINTHE is a highly progressive rock tune. If you like the 90’s grunge band “ELEVEN” you will love this. Frank Fagnano’s haunting organ playing sets the tone and the non-traditional arrangement builds from nothing to a firestorm, never repeating the same section twice.

MOJITO is a Latin rock instrumental highly suggestive of Carlos Santana and features Steve Jankowski on trumpet and Tom Timko on saxophone. You will enjoy the tight arrangement and interplay between horns and guitar.

GIANT STEPS is a remake of the John Coltrane jazz standard arranged by bassist Tony Senatore and is played with a hip hop groove at a slower tempo. In addition to Andy’s guitar playing, this track features the keyboard playing of Bob Nelson. Listen closely to the bass playing as Tony Senatore’s lays down an amazing groove here.

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