Justin Hellman - Shakin' It Like A Blue Funk Monkey (2007)Self-released

I think that Justin Hellman hit the bull's-eye sending me his debut stuff, since Department of Virtuosity's watchword is "If your monkey can play the comb like a real virtuoso, I can write a review". What does it have to do with this CD? Let's take a glance and its cover and convince yourself there is... the monkey playing the upright bass, haha. You can't be surprised I am so happy though!

Well, this American acoustic and electric bassist is a graduate of Berkeley College of Music and also studied under Michael Manring, Kai Eckhardt and Stephen Tramontozzi. He cooperated with Paul McCandless, Paul Hansen, Steve Coleman, Henry Threadgill, Dave Ellis, Henry Kaiser, Julian Lage, Will Bernard, Taylor Eigsti, Tangria, Plum Crazy, Social Funktion, Echo Beach, Stefania Rubini, Sugar Shack and Minimal. I am not sure if they are all groups Justin played in, but I must admit this list is really impressive as we are talking about a young virtuoso. In recording the debut he was supported by guitarist Eric Vogler, tenor saxophonist Roshywn Bullock and drummer Jon Arkin. These are musicians who played with the likes of Chick Corea, Roy Hargrove, Stevie Wonder, Ira Sullivan and Freddie Hubbard. This is an extra-league indeed!

Although Justin's music is not a typical smooth jazz, it is accessible enough in a sense. Since they are not so much given to improvisations and experimental compositions, their material could be used as elevator music in everyone's workplace. I do like bassy strikes, speeding and coquettish sax, classy guitarwork and interspersed drumming. I also enjoy all these moments when instruments go to mimic, making the instrumentals blistering and overblown in positive meaning. This disc includes a diverse music including mind-refreshing funk, relaxing acid jazz and swinging drum'n'bass. Highly recommended!