Specially written for a Japanese animation movie in 1988, this album is without a doubt David Garfield's 'rockier' solo work ever. Based on the core team of David Garfield (keyboards), Jimmy Johnson (bass), Michael Landau (guitars), Carlos Vega (drums) and Lenny Castro (percussion), the album definitively shows a different side of David's talent. Supporting musicians include the unfortunately underrated saxophonists Larry Klimas and Steve Tavaglione.
David Garfield and Friends - Riding Bean Even though it was originally recorded 16 years ago, the album still sounds rather fresh today. Its mix of rock/groove fusion has some hints of late 80's mainstream rock but the music doesn't sound outdated (even though some production tricks are typical from the late 80's).
David Garfield's music comes from so many different places that it is very difficult to really categorize it. And that's the whole beauty of it.
'Road Buster' is a brilliant opening track and could have been used by a Toto on acid? 'Bad Girl' features a Michael Landau on fire displaying some of his Hendrix influences supported by vocalist Andrea Robinson and great drumming by Carlos Vega. 'Dealing Down' brings us back to a more 'traditional' David Garfield type of song with its rock/pop melody and jazzy keyboards.
'Bean Bandit Boogie' is to me the highlight of this album. I hear some (light) Led Zeppelin hints under a very groovy fusion melody. Lenny Castro - as usual - shines and David delivers some very inspired keyboards parts.
'Brewy's Bag' features David Garfield's piano in top form as well as Larry Klimas on flute. This is the most 'Karizma sounding' song on the record.
The next song is the real surprise as it's definitively could be a hard rock track. 'King Of The Road' is a must have for all Phil Perry fans who want to hear something different from him. Here you get Perry in a Robert Plant mood. Great vocals. Those not into hard rock may have to listen to it several times but will soon realize that Perry is very credible as a rock singer. Musically, there are hints of Led Zeppelin with a touch of The Crusaders.
'Hit The Highway' is an instrumental rock tune that should please guitars fans into people like Joe Satriani for instance. It features some superb drumming from Carlos Vega and Lenny Castro. With 'Get Out Of My Way', the band gets back to some funkier shores before taking us to 'Kickin' Booty' another great instrumental rock song featuring Landau's raw guitar sound. David plays wonderful synths on top of a very tight rhythm section made of Jimmy Johnson and the 'groove brothers' Vega & Castro. The song has a great ZZ Top influence/feel to it.
The album ends with a nice ballad 'Running The Road' sung by Phil Perry and featuring delicate piano playing from David.
Rock fans should check out this album and could use it as an introduction to the 'fusion' world. Even though Riding Bean is David's most 'traditional' and rockier work to date, the album offers a lot and is challenging for musicians too.
Drummers will particularly enjoy having the chance to listen to Carlos Vega in a different configuration. Carlos was an amazing drummer. He grooved in any situation and was a very tasteful musician. The way he clicked with Lenny Castro was a match made in Heaven. Riding Bean features some of Carlos' most 'untraditional' drumming and reminds us of how brilliant he was.
Speaking of Lenny Castro, I would like to say that, to me, he represents what percussion is all about. Very often involved in situation where percussion, unlike in Latin music, is not heavily featured, Lenny has always been a master at bringing the exact textures and colours needed. He plays with a passion and enthusiasm that never ever faded away. Karizma's and David's solo work have always been a forum where Lenny's endless creativity could blossom. This is no different on this album.
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