Abstract Logic

The billing implied that Abstract Logic was to be a blowing session, especially given Shawn Lane's performances on the MVP recordings Centrifugal Funk and Truth in Shredding. Surprisingly, this recording tends to be dark, with the players utilizing a fair amount of space. Lane sounds positively demonic on "Serpents and Pigs" and "Throwing Elephant and Wrestling"; however, his intensity is not consistent. He seems to have been going through an Allan Holdsworth stage at this point, which is very disappointing considering he is one of the more original metal/fusion players to have emerged during the '90s. Despite Lane's identity conflict, his playing is demented, original and exciting. From his Cecil Taylor-influenced piano solo "Pluie de Etincelles" to his diverse bass solo "Layla Attar," Lane remains creative and interesting throughout. If he sounds like anybody, it would probably be Michael Manring, although the two seem to have influenced each other. He is obviously comfortable playing a number of different styles and sounds good in all of them. Drummer Kofi Baker (Ginger Baker's son) gets a chance to display his impressive technique on "Put the Shoe on the Other Foot." This is a very good recording, but the Holdsworth sound from Lane is a bit distracting. ~ Robert Taylor