Missing Period

Brand X Missing Period has to be one of the most quintessential Jazz Fusion albums I’ve never heard. The album is a tour de force of instrumentation from Collins’ (Genesis) insane, almost improvisational, tempos to John Goodsall’s wild guitar ramblings that range from off the beaten trail to right in the groove of the albums mix. Percy Jones (Tunnels) provides a wide range of bass techniques from jazz to funk to even an odd sounding disco like groove that is infectious. Meanwhile Robin Lumley (Spiders From Mars) provides very atmospheric and haunting keyboard sounds that range from new age to space rock. It’s a well balanced mix of music that made me think of bands like Rush or Medeski, Martin & Wood. 

 

Overall I loved the tempo of the album. The first track starts off slow with introduction and then simply bursts out into a tricky jazz number that just builds as the album rolls on, track by track. Ancient Mysteries is probably my favorite as Collins’ comes with a funk beat that explodes with Robin Lumley’s funky keyboard musings and John Goodsall’s amazing guitar work that’s complimented well by Percy Jones’ funk/jazz bass technique that plays as both an individual addition as well as a foundation for the song. 

 

After having reviewed the bands Live album Live at The Roxy LA 1979, I was a bit disappointed. The sound quality was off, the music didn’t translate completely. If you’re looking to kick off a love for Brand X, I would suggest starting here. The entirety of the album is amazingly fantastic. I highly suggest.