FAT

Extraordinary guitarist Alex Machecek has upped the ante on all of his previous impressive outings as a leader with FAT (Fabulous Austrian Trio), his new Abstract Logix CD. He's ably accompanied on his sophomore outing as a leader by drummer Herbert Pirker and bassist Raphael Preuschl both of whom appeared together on some tracks from Machacek's impressive 2005 debut.

Throughout the recording the emphasis is on band interplay with much of the music demonstrating the astounding intricacy and impossible unisons that the group is capable of. In contrast to this there is also a gorgeous solo bass piece "Ton Portrait" (a nod to the late Jaco Pastorius's anthemic "Portrait of Tracy"), an atmospheric closer, "Let's Not Argue," and the lyrical "D-Lite". The Fabulous Austrian Trio also generates some potent swinging momentum on the album's jazziest number, "Studio Swing."

Personnel: Alex Machacek (guitars, programming), Raphael Preuschl (basses, cello, bass-uke), Herbert Pirker (drums)