The Grand Central Band: Brightest Star

Reviewed by GRAHAM REID

(Herald rating: * * * )

When Nathan Haines opened for Bryan Ferry recently much of my attention was on his younger brother/guitarist Joel, one of the most talented players this country has produced. He has jazz in his blood but has listened widely to rock and beyond and can play in any style, always with taste and invention. He once put out a limited-edition CD which he sold at gigs. It is impressive.

We don't hear Joel Haines enough (his choice, fair enough) but he is a member of the Grand Central Band, a flexible line-up behind singer Chris Melville, with Alan Brown on keyboards (Hammond, Rhodes), Josh Sorenson (drums) and Junior Turua (bass).

These 10 assured originals by Melville move through reggae grooves (Stronghold, Story of My Life, Slow Down) but mostly slip around in the funk/jazz arena and allow space for their confident musicianship.

Melville has a likeable, flexible voice - a smooth jazz-blues delivery on Honey Honey is a highlight but he does lovers-rock well, too - but the bedding from Brown rewards careful listening: he plays soulfully (Never No More), quietly builds his solos (All the King's Horses), and gets out the Ardijah-style soul-funk (the boiling title track).

And while Haines is self-effacing and a team player, there are ample hints - the solo he peels off on the title track, and the brittle attack on Crazy 'Bout You - that should he make another solo album it will be a blinder.

Meantime, Melville and GCB - who launch this at the Grand Central Bar on Ponsonby Rd tonight - deserve your attention for their confident 70s jazz-funk.

(GCB)