Album Review: Fabio Zaganin – Rumble Fish

Rumble Fish is the debut album of technically gifted bassist Fabio Zaganin.  While Zaganin is new to me, it seems that he is a much sought after bassist and educator in his native Brazil where he has been featured in magazines such as Bass Player and Bass Musician.  Sticking mainly to Rock and Blues styles, Rumble Fish is an instrumental album with hints of his Brazilian roots sprinkled throughout.  With Zaganin’s crisp, clear tone at the forefront of the mix, this is most definitely a bass solo album.

Most notable about Zaganin’s sound is his wide use of effects, using them to great result.  The albums opening track “King Crepax” kicks things off with a brake neck tempo bass groove that includes a short distorted, fuzz ladened wah solo that just screams.  The next two tracks, “Grandma Talk #2” & “Crimson Man” continue the pace set by “King Crepax” adding an octaver to the mix, as well as some funky slap lines.  “Vanity Bells” & “Blood Red Rose” each display a nice use of a chorus and harmonics, while “Wild Vexations” & “Ixtlan Gates” throw some chord phrasing and chord stops into the mix.  “Dead Party 7” & “Dragon A” both have steady rock grooves dripping with greasy wah lines.  “Dr. Phibes” is at times fuzzy, with some phaser thrown in.  Finally the last track “Maria Helena” is a short and sweet number that has an almost Jaco like tone.

At times Zaganin can be a very busy player, yet he manages to pull it off without sounding like he is over playing.  Most of the grooves on this album are technically intricate and employ a thick layer of effects.  He gets some great tones on this album, really showcasing how sweet effects can sound on the bass when dialed in correctly.  I’ve always been a sucker for a great bass wah line and this album has it and more.

7/10

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Stanton Lawrence([email protected])