Mark Egan has been touring and recording as an in-demand sideman and leader for an impressive five decades. Influenced by a vast range of musical styles, he has a distinctive bass sound that is funky, nimble, driving but never over the top. Over the years I have particularly enjoyed his work on Truth Be Told and Stan Getz’s Billy Highstreet Samba album, so it’s great to catch up on his latest project.
Cross Currents distils a wealth of musical experiences into a very enjoyable, polished album. Shawn Pelton and Shane Theriot bring their own considerable talents to bear on the recording. Pelton has recorded with the likes of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Van Morrison, while Theriot’s credits include work with The Neville Brothers, Willie Nelson and Todd Rundgren. Very much an “A” list trio then, and that pedigree shines through in the compactness of the playing and the richness of sound across 11 compositions.
These instrumental compositions tastefully explore fusions of jazz, R&B, rock, funk and ambient sounds. Ponchatrain kicks things off with an upbeat breezy feel, Gulf Stream sounds positively Beatlesque in places and Pocket Call brings out a driving beat and some nifty guitar solos that combine rock and funk.
There is a real chemistry between these three fine musicians. Mutual respect and a love of playing together oozes from the sound they produce. Melodic, inventive, engaging – one very classy album.
Discography
Ponchatrain; Gulf Stream; Cross Currents; Big Sky; Pocket Call; Homebrew; Sunflower; Roll With It; Nonc Rodell; Sand Castles; Eastern Blue (54.37)
Egan (b); Shawn Pelton (d); Shane Theriot (g). Power Station, New England, 18-20 July 2023.
Wavetone Records WCT8657
