George Pajon, Jr Fried Plantains CD

Unlikely guitar guru George Pajon, Jr., probably best known for his work with pop-rap hitmakers the Black Eyed Peas, offers a new perspective for what jazz guitar is all about. His 2005 release, Fried Plantains is the least guitar-centric record led by a guitar player in quite some time. Funky lines and deep grooves are the order of the day, with writing that has a very vintage, chitlin' circuit feel. Hammond B-3s and fuzz tone overdrive abounds, mingling and churning over an ever-present, less-is-more drum groove. Without a blistering, pyrotechnic guitar passage to be found, the whole record has a very relaxed, low-rider kind of vibe to it. Featuring drummer Mike Clark, one of hip-hop's most sampled drummers of all time; fellow Black Eyed Peas veteran, bass player Mike Fratantuno; jazz-funk pioneer, organist/keyboard player Robert Walter; and fusion drumming great Robin Dimaggio as Pajon's base, all the right ingredients are there for a good 'n' greasy, home-cooked disc. Though maybe lacking the interest for a jazz aficionado's sit-down listen, Fried Plantains is a great disc for a relaxed hang. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez

George Pajon Jr. is a guitar player of rare and exceptional ability. Best known for his work with the Black Eyed Peas (Interscope Records), George has been a major force in helping shape the sound of Hip Hop through his originality, creativity, and vision in a genre that is often lacking in original sound and deprived of outstanding musicianship. No longer 'Behind the Front', George's first solo album brings his funky stylings to the forefront with this foray into jazz/hip hop instrumental world with his BEP bandmates and special guests including Robert Walter (Greyboy All-Stars), Fred Wesley (James Brown, JB Horns) and Mike Clark (Herbie Hancock, The Headhunters) bringin' it!George's musical dexterity has never been more apparent than in his current solo project, "Fried Plantains", which fuses the sounds of jazz, hip hop, blues, and rock with his undeniable guitar skills. An exciting trip back to the groove music of the '70's, "Fried Plantains" is a must for connoisseurs of Hip Hop, Jazz and Funk. Go get you one!

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Personnel: George Pajon, Jr. (guitar); Fred Wesley, Printz Board, Tim Izo, Elizabeth Lea (horns); Robert Walter (Fender Rhodes piano, organ); Mike Fratantuno, Caleb Spier (bass); Mike Clark, George Sluppick, Satnam Ramgotra, Robin DiMaggio, Terence Graves (drums); Chuck Prada (percussion).

Producers: George Pajon, Jr., Dylan "3D" Dresdow.

Personnel: George Pajon (guitar); Fred Wesley, Printz Board, Tim Izo, Elizabeth Lea (horns); Robert Walter (Fender Rhodes piano, organ); George Sluppick, Mike Clark , Robin Dimaggio, Satnam Ramgotra (drums); Chuck Prada (percussion).

Audio Mixer: Dylan Dresdow.