The Slip Eisenhower Bar/None
A common complaint of the jazz incarnation of the band was that its members often flaunted their musical prowess and overplayed. This is certainly not the case on Eisenhower, which enjoys a stripped-down minimalist sound. Nowhere is this more evident than in Brad Barr's guitar work, which sounds far more like Thurston Moore than John McLaughlin this time around. Joined by brother Andrew Barr on drums/percussion and Marc Friedman on bass, the music is still masterfully crafted, just a little less in-your-face. From the beginning of the fast-paced opening track "Children of December," one is witnessing The Slip tread new musical ground. Undoubtedly, some jazz fiends will say the band has sold out (even though the CD is not likely to sell well), but the truth is that this is a band that has merely matured and found its niche. — James Bolen