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Dry Jack, an excellent fusion group based in Kansas City in the 1970s and early 80's, recorded two albums for Inner City just as the golden age of fusion was ending. They were documented just in time, to the benefit of today's listeners.
Keyboardist Chuck Lamb and his brother bassist Rich Lamb were originally interested in playing rock. During 1972-73 they were in the Bompa Bros. Band along with older brother guitarist John Lamb, guitarist Rocco Marshall, drummer Jon Margolis and percussionist Greg “Brimble” Collins. But after they heard Chick Corea's Return To Forever, they were inspired to explore fusion and modern jazz. Dry Jack succeeded the Bompa Bros Band in 1973 and it lasted nine years. There was a lot of personnel changes early on as the group evolved from a septet down to a quartet.
By the time they recorded their debut album Magical Elements, Dry Jack was comprised of Chuck and Rich Lamb, Jon Margolis and guitarist Rod Fleeman. Fleeman has in the decades since become best known for working with singers, most notably Karrin Allyson and Dianne Schuur. Chuck Lamb has played piano with the Brubeck Brothers Quartet. Rich Lamb's credits include stints with Eddie Jefferson, Richie Cole, Ernie Watts, Dave Douglas, Hank Crawford and Ron Miles. And Jon Margolis has played drums in blues, r&b, rock and jazz (Swing Shift) groups.
Dry Jack was at the height of its fame and creativity when it made its two Inner City records. Magical Elements starts off in inspired fashion, with “Americana Hoedown” primarily being an uptempo tradeoff by Chuck Lamb and Rod Fleeman. The music is blazing and shows what the group could really do.
Chuck Lamb wrote all of the selections on this album. “Lit Spinners” is a concise romp while “Laurel's Dream” is a moody ballad. “Magical Elements” displays the influence of Return To Forever with strong hints of Chick Corea and Al DiMeola. On “Sunday Boogie-Nookie Stomp,” Lamb gets some interesting sounds out of his synthesizer. The catchy tune at one point has rhythms that hint at disco. “Strollin' On Jupiter” is the most straight ahead piece on the CD while the lengthy “Earth Daze,” which goes through several mood changes, is most notable for the bass playing of Rich Lamb
Review
"All four musicians in Dry Jack are still active, 28 years after the group ended. How about a reunion?
"Dry Jack was a high quality fusion band in the 1970s and early ‘80s that were based in Kansas City. They recorded two fine albums for Inner City of which Magical Elements was first. Comprised of keyboardist Chuck Lamb, bassist Rich Lamb, drummer Joe Margolis and guitarist Rod Fleeman, the group performs Chuck Lamb’s diverse compositions with enthusiasm, their own brand of swing, and a fine mixture of jazz and rock. The lengthy “Earth Daze” is a highpoint. " Scott Yanow
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