Ian O'Brien – Gigantic Days

For some reason this albums appears to me as have gotten less attention than "Desert Scores". But is is on par with that, if not even better! Gigantic Days finds O'Brien diving deeper into 70's fusion, coupled with his trademark "Mad Mike" style take on Detroit Techno, it is a most def disc to own for the connoisseur of the finer things in life.

Ian O'Brien continues his takeover of the techno-soul-jazz scene with his second album, GIGANTIC DAYS. This time out, he gives funk a chance, as evidenced by "Where Does the Past End and the Present Begin?," a worthy addition to his well-crafted sound. "Natural Knowledge" reprises the funk theme, with similarly strong results. Those craving more straightforward tech-jazz will find solace in "As (Part I: Perspicacity)," with its soothing tones and careful, conscious rhythms. It has a great improvisational quality about it as well that deftly avoids the appearance of noodling for time ("Part 2: Contemplation" is slightly noodlier, but still holds up its end). The tracks here are generally longer, but well-worth the length: "Gigantic Days," with its darker mood and nine-minute running time expands and expands as it goes on. But the final track, "The Question of Value," clocks in at almost 13 minutes, but the value is undeniable. GIGANTIC DAYS is huge in so many ways.