Short Reviews [The Haas Company - 2025 - "Thirteen"]

Here we have the fourth album from The Haas Company, a unique group led by drummer Steve Haas and directed by keyboardist Pete Drungle which also includes guitarist Samuel Hallkvist and bassist Kirwan Brown. Each release sees them bring in a featured guest, and this time around it is none other than violinist Jerry Goodman, who was an original member of the Mahavishnu Orchestra during 1971-73. Goodman has long been seen as an influential violinist in the fusion movement, and it is obvious that Drungle has a wonderful affinity with him as he has composed six numbers which bring Goodman in as a key member of the band, being allowed to shine, but always feeling part of the whole as opposed to a guest plus backing musicians. I have been fortunate enough to have heard all of The Haas Company releases to date, and there is no doubt that there has been a step change with this one, as Goodman brings a power and energy plus musicality and vitality which takes us back 50 years to the heyday of this style of music. There is clear space between the layers, which have been wonderfully and deftly arranged, but there is also a bombastic nature from the violin, with Goodman playing on the edge, real anger coming through the strings which is totally at odds to the more laid-back sounds he is playing against. When he is not playing the band feels quite different, yet still lifted from previous releases, as they create the framework for the flashes of brilliance. I am sure Steve and Pete will look to another guest for the next album (and they must be applauded for releasing new material in quick succession), but would it hurt to play another one with Goodman as well?