New Ross Prior Album Brimming With Energy And Superb Musicianship

There is meaning in the title, a humorous reference to Australian artist Ross Prior’s rock & roll background. Prior’s roots are actually not in jazz but in the progressive and experimental sounds of the group Lysergic and then later in the death metal of Black Mask. It’s quite a transition from hard rock to the hard bop of his new solo effort, Heavy Sheddin’, yet there’s no sign of a creative struggle; in fact, Prior sounds absolutely comfortable and quite confident in his new surroundings, perhaps revealing that the stylistic distance between metal and jazz isn’t as far as many would imagine. After all, both genres require strong instrumental skills.

Featuring Prior on double bass alongside guitarist Andrew Fincher, drummer Blair Westbrook, and saxophonist Andrew Garton, the album is brimming with top-flight musicianship, infectious energy, and an uplifting spirit; it is certainly a feel-good record. Prior’s thumping, swirling bass lines on “Groove Dog!” gives the track its breathless pace. Fincher’s sparkling riffs pick up momentum as Westbrook’s drums match their intensity.

Prior isn’t afraid to allow his mates a time in the spotlight. Garton’s saxophone soars on “Conversations” and is absolutely sultry on “Goodbye Porkpie Hat.” On “Manfreds Standard,” Fincher simply sizzles, jamming with unyielding enthusiasm. Wonderful. Prior, too, is having a blast, from the Latin pulse of “You Didn’t Mean That” to the jumpy, rambunctious bass of “Caravan.”