Payne, Jim
Savant, 2005, CD
Instrument: Drums
Issue: 11.2
Jazz Ruler Type: funk
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: They open with a pseudo reggae bass line (from the B3) that anchors some funky fusion. The fusion element comes from guitarist Bill Bickford. The funk emanates from organist Jerry Z and the leader Payne on drums. But when they glide into “Old Point Groove” it’s clear that these guys are serving up a dose of funky jazz. Payne plays with a groove that reminds us of some old James Brown tunes. It’s no accident as there are a couple of tunes dedicated to JB drummers, notably “Jabo” for Jabo Starks. So it’s funky fusion that clicks from start to finish.
