Eddie Arjun, Transition Review
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Eddie Arjun (formally known as ARJUN), is a three-piece instrumental band from New York. With a strong sense of groove and melody, Eddie Arjun has been trailblazing their own hybrid sound of rock and improvisational jazz since 2003. Eddie Arjun fuses the power of rock with improvisational alternative jazz, resulting in a delicate balance of intricately crafted melodies backed by powerhouse musicianship. The band is Eddie Arjun Peters on guitar, Andre Lyles on bass and Michael Vetter on drums. The band has released three albums in a critically-acclaimed three-album trilogy. Starting in 2013 with SPACE, followed by CORE, which features the talents of John Medeski (Medeski Martin & Wood) on its title track, which was mixed by legendary producer Scotty Hard and rose to #4 on the Jambands Chart. In the Summer of 2016, GRAVITY was released as the third and final installment in the trilogy of albums that featured Andre Lyles on bass and Lamar Myers on drums. Recorded and mixed by Scotty Hard, this album also features guest performances by Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band, Béla Fleck & the Flecktones), Cory Henry (Snarky Puppy, Funk Apostles), and Molly Cherryholmes. GRAVITY enjoyed heavy airplay for several months peaking at #5 on the Jambands Chart. Eddie Arjun is now releasing their fourth album, TRANSITION. With eight tracks that feature strong compositional forms and melodies presented by three musician that have a strong sense of communication and chemistry.
Positives:
Peters’ guitar playing is a solid evolution of the styles of: Charlie Hunter, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck, David Gilmore, Warren Haynes, Jimi Hendrix, and Jimmy Page. All rolled into a modern approach to instrumental rock music within the moments improvisations.
Bottom Line:
Eddie Arjun is a power instrumental rock trio that translates their music energy vibrantly throughout the eight tracks on their new album, TRANSITION. Peters is a melodic guitarist that has a solid grasp for jazz, blues, and fusion that is presented in a rock format. “Core” shows his bluesy side as he builds over a shuffle feel from Lyles and Vetter. His tone his warmly distorted, but still clear. The trio shows their fusion side with the title track, set to a medium-up funk/rock beat. The song goes through various feels that the band navigates with finesse and authority. Peters’ soloing style is an energetic blend of emotional bends and sophisticated single lines. “Lavalust” starts with a funky poppin’ and slappin’ bassline from Lyles that the trio develops into a journey of feels that builds to Peters’ solid soloing. TRANSITION has a collection of songs that offer depth musically and melodic energy. If you like your instrumental rock with a little more sophistication or if you are lucky enough to know and enjoy the finer instrumental rock albums of the eighties, you will love TRANSITION. That’s the short of it!