Gary Husband: Dirty & Beautiful Volume 1 Review

By: Vince Lewis

Drummer and keyboardist Gary Husband has long been a fixture in the Jazz-Rock arena. He is currently touring as additional drummer and keyboard player with John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension. He has appeared as sideman with such luminaries as Jeff Beck, Allan Holdsworth, Gary Moore and Andy Summers.

Dirty & Beautiful Volume 1 brings together a very eclectic group of musicians in various formats. Husband is joined by guitarists Allan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, Robin Trower, Steve Hackett and Steve Topping. Bassists consist of Jimmy Johnson, Mark King, Laurence Cottle, Livingstone Brown and Steve Price. Rounding out the band are Jan Hammer (Keyboards) and Jerry Goodman (Violin).

Most of the selections are Husband original compositions. Titles include “Bedford Falls,” “Afterglow,” “Moon Song” and Ternberg Jam.” There is one Miles Davis composition titled “Yesternow – Preview.”

Fusion aficionados will find this album significant as it reunites McLaughlin, Goodman and Hammer for the first time since the Mahavishnu Orchestra days. It is also the first time that Holdsworth and McLaughlin have appeared on the same recording.

The music is modern and intense. The CD rolls from title to title in the form of a musical suite. The energy level is high throughout, and the technical prowess of each player is given prominent position.

Husband has produced a high quality effort that is not for the faint of heart. While fans of more traditional Jazz may not find it to their liking, the musicianship is worthy of respect from all who hear it.

******