The Trackers - Vaudeville 8:45 (CD)

What appears next on a resume; as weighty as Gary Husband's is always a matter of musical interest. Even with long and satisfying associations with legends like John McLaughlin and Allan Holdsworth, the talented drummer/keyboardist continually seeks different worthy and intriguing paths to explore - whatever his vehicle of expression. So when his latest project is co-led by a comparatively under-the-radar musician - in this case, Norwegian guitarist Alf Terje Hana - additional curiosity ensues. To that end, the story of their collaboration begins with both a long admiration and a shot in the dark from Hana:Discovering Gary (through Allan Holdsworth's I.O.U. album in 1982) was the start of a lifelong, fan-like observation for me. I was always catching up on what he was up to, and what turns he presented musically. In recent years, Hana became so enticed by video clips from Husband popping up on the internet, it spurred him to reach out. I so very much wanted some of his outer space and not-within-my-reach stuff to blend into my music that I just sent a request. That's how it started. Husband recalls their first musical encounter, My introduction to Alf and his music was via an invitation to perform some keyboards on a track called The Elders Too for his 2016 album, Invisible Colours. Right from the start, I found myself under the spell of his powerfully evocative music. Then, penetrating that music expressively, I felt an effortless conversational empathy with Alf's guitar utterances within the vibe of the composition. It all just seemed to click completely with Alf and his whole approach. I very much wanted to continue exploring the intriguing musical blend we make together. The musical bond was formed but awaited a catalyst & ndash; one that would later arise from a very sudden and personal vacuum in Husband's life:When Allan Holdsworth passed, I lost a very close and special long-term musical relationship immensely central to my ongoing development and creativity as a drummer. To ease the pain of that loss and the sheer void it brought about, I knew I had to start something new - build myself a new way to continue.That new way gradually took shape for Husband: I knew I wanted a three-piece; I knew I wanted guitar. I had even come up with a name while waiting for a flight in Hamburg Airport. I knew that this band - The Trackers - was going to happen.