Mike Gordon
Moss
Rounder
Oct. 19

By Michael Walsh

When Mike Gordon isn’t dropping funky bombs while ripping through a jam with Phish, he’s been known to deviate and experiment as a solo artist, and his latest album, Moss, does so much to shine the spotlight on the true artist the bassist is.

Those familiar with Gordon’s sound and recognizable voice will fall right in with what he’s doing on this album, a far more straightforward album than his debut album Inside In, but that doesn’t mean it’s not equally as creative.

Moss simply breathes the funk, pure and simple, and it’s incredible. Being a bassist-led album, and with that bassist being so damn funky, Moss will appease to those looking for an album that grooves, musically and lyrically. Don’t expect to get Gordon’s Phish-like playing, because that’s simply not here.

But do expect to get a full assortment of complex music. Gordon brings on many guests, including common collaborators Joe Russo on drums and Marco Benevento on piano. Gordon’s played with the duo many times live, and their cohesiveness here in the studio is tight and produces. Gordon also brought on Phish bandmatess Jon Fishman and Page McConnell to even deepen the list of all-star talent to be heard.

The album’s highlight is “Idea,” a six minute piece of beauty, that was actually debuted with Phish back in June. With Phish it was an eight minute jammed out tune, darker than the album version. Here the accompaniment is equally funky, but naturally different. As Gordon’s bass beats through the rhythm backed by a wonderful organ sound, he sings “Sliding down that final stretch of highway /I pass beside you and my mind comes alive /Got to find a way to the person inside.”

Through and throughout the album bleeds from Gordon’s bass, but in retrospect, the real brilliance is the way Gordon works on his irregular soundscapes with the rest of the talent featured. Gordon’s playing here won’t blow you away technically, it’s the finished product that surely will.