Full Review

Marc Ciprut, Moonshine Review

When it comes to fusion, few artists can blend the blues with the many shades of fusion as compellingly as Marc Ciprut. With his latest release, Moonshine, Ciprut presents a cohesive and electrifying sonic experience. As a guitarist, composer, and producer, he creates a unique jazz, blues, and funk sound into a coherent, electrifying sonic experience of tasteful fusion.

From the opening track, “Moonshine,” Ciprut sets the stage with a warmly distorted and clear guitar tone that immediately draws you into its embrace. His mastery over tone is evident throughout the album, where each guitar sound shows his deep understanding of the instrument, amps, effects, and how to capture great sounds. Ciprut’s playing is as expressive as it is precise, with every bend and slide contributing to the narrative he weaves through his compositions.

“Moonshine” introduces us to an ensemble of Jeremy Manasia on Wurlitzer, who adds a vintage warmth that beautifully complements Ciprut’s guitar, while Jimmy Haslip’s bass lines provide a deep, grounded groove. Charles Ruggiero on drums and Tommi Rautiainen on percussion bring dynamic energy, making the track both rhythmically compelling and melodically captivating. The composition is a balanced mix of activity and space, with a catchy melody supported by a blues-influenced fusion groove.

On tracks like “No Compromise,” Ciprut’s guitar leads with a hip, bluesy fusion riff, setting the tone for a piece that showcases his distinctive style. His use of single notes, double stops, and chords is adorned with bends and engaging articulations, creating a rich sonic palette. The interplay between Ciprut and Etienne Lytle on the organ is particularly noteworthy, with Lytle’s soulful chords providing a deep harmonic richness that colors the track. Akos Fogacs on bass and Tommi Rautiainen on drums form a rhythm section that keeps the energy high, driving the groove forward precisely.

“Cutie” shifts gears slightly, with Ciprut dialing in a bluesy sound that matches the track’s mood. Here, his soloing strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and simplicity, a blend of blues, jazz, and rock that is memorable. The dual duties of Lytle on organ and Wurlitzer add layers of depth, while James Genus on bass and Rautiainen on drums ensure that the ensemble stays tight and cohesive, creating a track that is as elegant as it is powerful.

Ciprut’s versatility is on full display in “Who Got Next?” where he brings a funky groove into the mix. The composition is multi-layered, balancing riff-based melodies with sophisticated soli parts. Ciprut’s use of the wah-wah pedal is expressive and effective, adding an extra dimension to his rhythm and lead playing. Lytle’s organ harmonies resonate deeply, while Haslip’s bass lines and Tobias Ralph’s fresh rhythmic drive keep the track vibrant. Daniel Sadownick’s percussion adds intricate textures, creating a soundscape that is as compelling as it is danceable.

“No Mas Blues” and “No More Room” further explore the fusion of blues with funk and jazz. In “No Mas Blues,” Ciprut’s guitar embraces the blues fully, with expressive bends and hybrid picking that bring out the nuances of the melody. The shuffle rhythm, anchored by Haslip’s bass and Rautiainen’s drumming, creates a groove that is dynamic and rich in texture. “No More Room” shifts into a soulful, funky vibe, with Ciprut’s spanky guitar tone delivering a catchy melody that resonates with energy and emotion.

The album reaches its peak with “Slippery Slope” and “Funk You.” In “Slippery Slope,” Ciprut’s emotive blues-infused fusion playing shines, his melodic assuredness and attitude ringing clear through every note. The ensemble, featuring Manasia on Wurlitzer, Haslip on bass, and Ruggiero on drums, creates a richly textured soundscape that is both powerful and nuanced. The album closes with “Funk You,” a track that brings the funk with style. Ciprut’s infectious riffs and rhythmic precision are perfectly complemented by Lytle’s organ and clavinet, Genus’s tight bass groove, and Ralph’s dynamic drumming. Sadownick’s percussion adds the finishing touch, making this groove-heavy track a fitting end to a masterful album.

Moonshine shows Marc Ciprut’s abilities as a guitarist, composer, recording engineer, and producer. Each track is a carefully crafted piece of art, showcasing Ciprut’s deep understanding of tone, composition, and ensemble interplay. Whether you’re a fan of blues, jazz, or funk, Moonshine offers something for everyone, all wrapped up in an instrumental package that is as sophisticated as it is accessible fusion. That’s the short of it!