“Dirty Math” documents some of Fryer’s most characteristic and well-loved originals, delivered with his masterful trio of Chris Hale (bass) and Ryan Menezes (drums).
The opening track “Bedford Avenue” starts with a tight funky groove that sits neatly in its 11/8 groove. Subtly nuanced variations and fills are offered conversationally by Hale and Menezes. Gradually opening up, it embraces drum-n-bass sensibility before the drums and bass provide bedrock for a soaring fretless guitar solo.
The collision of contemporary influences continues, with Mahavishnu Ensemble-esque Indian rhythm (“Bodhisattva”), odd meters (“Greasy Boundaries”, and in fact most of the tracks!), shredding guitar solos, interesting and lyrical harmonic motion of Allan Holdsworth (“Old Friends”), and climaxing with the saturated and comic over-the-top wah-wah guitar sound of “Tube Steak Junky”.
Whilst “Dirty Math” might contain some complex numbers, it’s a complex conjugation as palatable as a doughnut.
Jonathan Dimond
composer, performer, educator
