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Kimo Williams & Kimotion — Tracking
(Little Beck Music lbm8050, 2001, CD)

Tracking Cover art

If I were to list the musicians involved in this "Symphonic-Bigband-Rock" project, I would surpass my word limit before being able to say what a truly wonderful and exciting albums this is. The description of Kimotion's music, as above, is quite accurate, performed by a massive band of at least 30 musicians on typical rock instrumentation, horns, strings, percussion, and vocals. The main players here seem to be Kimo Williams (composition and some guitar, bass and vocals), Gary Sinise (yes, the same guy whose new movie Impostor is opening as I write this) on bass, and renowned session drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. First off, this is one of the best productions I have heard in ages, a considerable feat with the number of players and geographical distances involved. No matter how many instruments are playing at once, the separation is clear, so as a bass, drum, and guitar groove develops, you can clearly hear the strings and horn sections come in and be able to pick out the many lines you may want to follow on subsequent multiple listens. Musically, this has got it all, top-notch musicianship, infectious grooves, complex yet integrated arrangements, and compelling melodies. Its spirit is grounded in the 70s with hints of such varied music as the Tower of Power, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Gil Evans, and Herbie Hancock. But Kimotion has definitely taken major steps forward from these influences, mixing in slight and occasional influences of hip hop, funk, Jimi Hendrix (a cover of "Manic Depression" here) and beyond. This is one of the major surprises of the year, the type of new statement we gleefully love to rant about.

by Mike McLatchey, Published 2002-04-01

Every now and then a CD comes out of nowhere that has such a unique sound or high energy level that it jolts the listener like an electric shock. Welcome to composer / guitarist / bassist Kimo Williams and his large ensemble, Kimotion. They have both the originality and energy level to provide you with a pretty exhilarating listening experience. The band’s sound is tough to pin down, but it has elements of a sassy jazz big band, a hot fusion outfit with smoking rock-oriented guitar solos, and a sleek ensemble playing together as intricately as an orchestra. Some rough points of reference include Brit-jazz bands such as Nucleus or Neil Ardley, Jeff Beck’s fusion forays, or the instrumental Zappa albums. The combination of a nimble big band and high voltage guitar excursions creates a sophisticated yet visceral effect. Kimo has some heavy friends including former Zappa drummer Vinny Colaiuta, and also Michael Brecker on tenor. Another familiar name (although not from a musical context!) is actor Gary Sinise who plays bass on two tracks and co-produces the album with Kimo. The disc has quite a bit of variety, as it ranges from swinging straight-ahead jazz to a cover of Hendrix’ “Manic Depression” to one tune with a rap vocal. Kimotion is a juggernaut of a band with powerful playing and a tremendous ensemble impact. Ignore this one at your own peril.

by David Ashcraft, Published 2002-04-01

Kimo Williams is a Vietnam War vet from Hawaii and Berklee grad with connections into the rap world but with his heart firmly in jazz and with a side project that plays only Jimi Hendrix covers! Kimotion is his "symphonic-bigband-rock" project, though the emphasis on this CD is on the middle part of the descriptor, especially if you think in terms of 70s style big band fusion of Buddy Rich or Gil Evans. The symphonic qualities are fed in via a string section that adds occasional orchestral layerings that can either reinforce the brass or provide contrasting textures. The rock part of the equation rates higher though. In fact, many tracks feature electrifying guitar solos from Chris Siebold and Ernie Denov plus the stellar rhythm section of Victor Bailey and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. The pieces themselves range from the sterling fusion of "Obowlap" and "Rare Twelve" to the grand, Mingus-infused "The Meeting / The Bonding," originally commissioned by the Joffrey Ballet. There's also the wonderfully narrative "Paumalu Place," featuring Michael Brecker on saxes, and even an indescribably fun cover of "Manic Depression"! Williams' rich stylistic palette swings from the classicism of Count Basie to Miles Davis's late-60s / early-70s experiments in harmony and fusion to modern urban grunge. There's just too much on this disc to cover properly here, so wide ranging and all-encompassing is its scope. The bottom line is that through and through this is the real deal wonderfully ambitious music from a great American composer that totally succeeds. A sure Top 10 pick.

by Paul Hightower, Published 2002-04-01

Filed under: New releases, Issue 24, 2001 releases

Related artist(s): Kimo Williams

 

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