Banyan

Despite an ensemble that includes over 20 contributing musicians (including bassists Mike Watt, Flea, and Rob Wasserman, and guitarists Nels Cline, Buckethead, and John Frusciante) and an anything-goes aesthetic that touches on elements of jazz, funk, rock, world music, and even hip-hop, the second album from this Stephen Perkins side project somehow flows even more cohesively than its impressive debut. Opening with the lackadaisical rhythms of "Buzzards & Worms," the album grows more compelling with each passing track. The jazz/funk fusion of "Steelhead" could be straight outta the Steely Dan songbook if not for the subtle rap of Bad Azz, while the delicious groove of "Grease the System" finds Perkins paired with Flea and Frusciante. But while this could've devolved into a white-boy funk fest, Banyan shows its diversity without sacrificing cohesion. "Cactus Soil" is a fine bit of esoteric experimentalism that flows smoothly into the lushly layered trip-hop of "Keep the Change," while Buckethead's space-guitar sound works equally well on the pastoral balladry of "Early Bird" and the futuristic fusion of "Sputnik." A multifaceted album that isn't afraid to take chances, Anytime at All isn't quite the masterpiece one senses may be in Banyan's future, but it's pretty damn close. ~ Bret Love, Rovi