Music Reviews

Niacin
Time Crunch
(Magna Carta)

The prog-rock demon in me has not died. Indeed, at late hours, one might find me driving along to the intricate weavings of Emerson, Lake & Palmer or some other venerable dinosaur. The jazz-rock-fusion of Niacin's "Time Crunch" brings back memories of late 70s and early 80s virtuosity, where frenetic guitar solos and inexplicable arpeggio-climbing ruled. Legendary bassist Billy Sheehan and cohorts bring on what can only be described as a combination of Stanley Clarke, Deep Purple, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and any other band you care to name. John Novello's keyboard wizardry is the best I've heard in ages. Sheehan's bass-playing veers between pure jazz and funk-fusion with ridiculous dexterity. A peek at the liner notes reveals songwriting credits to Robert Fripp and Jan Hammer (music composer for the 80s TV series "Miami Vice," among other things), explanation enough for this complicated but rewarding event. Forget your shame and delve into the dark fusion past. No matter the ailment: its time for a Niacin dose. - Jonathan Hanemann