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Rich O'Brien: Hot Potato
ByO'Brien acknowledges the influence of bassist

Marcus Miller
bassb.1959

Soulive
band / ensemble / orchestra
The Meters
band / ensemble / orchestraWhen Jonny Bruce and John Pratt contribute trumpet and saxophone to the mix they add a definite bite. On "Whiskey Fever" and "Definitive," their fluid unison playing sits neatly alongside Joe Price's guitar chords and on top of O'Brien and Brown's fat and funky rhythm. There's some stylish ensemble playing on "Frisky"-not quite as hyperactive a tune as its title suggests-with O'Brien's fat, rounded, bass sound giving the tune real depth. "Bliss" has a hint of vintage

Santana
band / ensemble / orchestraThe addition of guest violinist Rich Jones to the lineup for "Pastiche" suggests that O'Brien has a willingness to experiment beyond the usual boundaries of jam bands and funk. It's a shame that the tunes fades away with Jones still in full flight. However, Hot Potato demonstrates O'Brien's vision most completely on the soulful "Momentum," featuring vocalist Jack Skuse. The young singer's style is relaxed, confident and engaging, reminiscent of British singers such as Lewis Taylor and Paul Johnson. The collaboration between singer and instrumentalists shows real promise- hopefully there's more to come. ">
Track Listing
Hot Potato; Definitive; Momentum; Whiskey Fever; Sweet Protection; Pastiche; Bliss; Frisky; Funkyard Jam; The Grunge.
Personnel
Rich O'Brien: bass, guitar; Jonny Bruce: trumpet; John Pratt: saxophone, flute; Sam Mills: keyboards; Joe Price: guitar; Matt Brown: drums; Rich Jones: violin (6); Jack Skuse: vocals (3).
Album information
Title: Hot Potato | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Self Produced
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