Featured Artist: Double Forte

CD Title: Souporsalad
Year: 2000
Record Label: eKagouri (Mainstream Interactive)
Style: Fusion

Musicians: Eddie Kim (guitars, electric & acoustic), Bob Pape (bass), Dale Wilson (drums), and Shyam Vai (keyboards).

Review: Double Forte is filled with inspiration and enthusiasm. After a few years Chicago jazz and rock scene prior to that, they concentrated on their international exposure this time. This disc was remixed and enhanced for Asian and European market with a few live tracks as CD/DVD format.

Double Forte's brand of fusion incorporates rock, jazz and lots of energy throughout. With the first three tracks ("Souporsalad," "Where is Bruce Lee," and Chick Corea cover "Light Years"), they're up to lay down the powerful groove. Eddie Kim (guitar) takes the cake and runs with it. "Square" begins with a pensive sentiment, but the ensemble drives up to beautiful melodic mode. Through various movements from mellow to up-tempo, he tributes those who suffered there and reflects on the town's evolution.

Ranging from the influence of Steve Smith's Vital Information in "Island Holiday," to contemporary jazz, the band soaks up life's experiences and paints many aural pictures for the listener. All members of the band invite you along on the journey. Pay attention to the last minutes' interplay in between guitar and sax, performed by Tommy Bradford, backed with some hard drumming and slapping bass that kicks hard, demanding your attention. "Funk this," inspired by a Bob Pape (bass) is very systematic funky and bluesy with tremendous bass technique.

The disc has variety to offer, but consistency. Double Forte bursts with musical power and wants you to be a part of it. He's been with the best of the jazz and fusion genre and obviously intends to reign supreme in his own way.

Reviewed by: K. H. Kim, Senior Editor, MMJAZZ Magazine, Seoul , Korea