to listen or purchase
Wide Hive Records, founded by musician/songwriter Gregory Howe, was originally conceived to introduce the diverse talents from the San Francisco Bay region. The label's roster covers material mostly heard outside the mainstream; from hip-hop rock (JBK); to progressive jazz (guitarist Calvin Keys) and the eclectic funk of Howe's band dissent.
Wide Hive Players, a collective of the label's in-house players, strikes several fascinating chords on their debut disc, Players. The funky, hip-hop edged grooves sparked with crisp improvisations from the horn section are welcome voices to the current soul jazz movement that includes Soulive and Karl Denson. Occasionally, WHP dips into the post bop pot (think Wayne Shorter). The only obstacle that keeps this disc from a high recommendation is the uneven vocal performance by Faye Carol on "Long Shot" and "Maybe Baby." Otherwise, enjoy the full spectrum of free-flowing jazz funk fusion by Wide Hive Players, all from the pen of Gregory Howe.
Notable Tracks: "Push and Pull," "Mending Gravity," "Point Conception," "Always in a Jam" and "Follow My Lead."
Vocals: 1.5 stars
Music: 3.0 stars
Lyrics: 2.5 stars
Production: 3.5 stars
SoulTracks Call: Recommended
By Peggy Oliver