RATINGS: A = must own B = buy it C= average D = yawn F = puke

Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats – Live Meat and Potatoes
Marmaduke Records
https://www.facebook.com/bombasticmeatbats

Rating: A

Chad Smith, best known as the drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the super group Chickenfoot, has still found time in his schedule to record a live album at the Baked Potato in Los Angeles with his side project, Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meat Bats.

This album is a jazz fusion, jazz rock delight that showcases incredible musicianship and improvisation. In addition to Smith, the band consists of guitar wizard Jeff Kollman, keyboardist Ed Roth and bass player Kevin Chown. The music mixes Wired era Jeff Beck with the best instrumental styling’s of Frank Zappa. The opening number “Oops!! Spilled My Beer” sets the stage for an amazing live performance.

“Nightsweats” is so Jeff Beck he may sue them! Two of the best songs on the album are “Pigsfeet” and “Breadballs.” “Topps Off” shows this band can be cool Jazz cats while “Into the Floyd” takes the listener on a musical trip.

This music will never be Top 40, but most good music isn’t. If you love great guitar playing, a bit of funky bass and some tasty keys mixed in with Chad’s drumming, then this one is for you.

By Jeb Wright