Decade 1996 - 2005

Packing a decade's worth of funk in just one piece, prolific bassist and innovator Joseph Patrick Moore kicks off his latest effort with "Decade," a fierce, unadulterated bass-driven groove. You won't know what hit you, so he considerately slows things down on the mellow "In an Instant" before dousing you in the syrupy flow of an organ and sax-laced "Datz It." Then, while you're still floating on the sugar high of the last jam, the mesmerizing flute and fluid percussion of "Down Under" will send you soaring on the sweet currents of Temple Passmore's vocals - Perhaps the best cover of the 80s Men at Work hit you will come by. "Herbie" a tribute to jazz great Herbie Hancock dips into a classic, viola-thumping groove with boogie-woogie undertones one minute and slips into quick-fingered bass highlights of funk the next. Sprinkled with live performances such as "Mystery" and "Fall," this amazing set also pays respect to Moore's heroes the likes of Miles Davis, Jimmy Hendrix, Jaco Pastorius and Sting.

Nothing but praises here. On "Decade 1996 - 2005" this Atlanta-based musician and founder of the "all digital" independent jazz recording label, Blue Cane Records, reminds fans why they've been captivated since "Never Never Land," and awakens new enthusiasts to his bass-oriented take on contemporary jazz. The past sounds phenomenal, and speaks volumes as to Moore's continued relevance and ingenuity in the years to come.