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Bombastic Meatbeats Featuring Chad Smith

Remember the good old days, when jazz-fusion wasn't all about showing off your chops, and was more about creating sweeping moods, and the importance of songwriting? Well, the Bombastic Meatbats certainly remember those days. Having obviously studied the classic early-to-mid '70s recordings of such fusion greats as Return to Forever and Jeff Beck, the group (which includes such members as Grammy winning Red Hot Chili Peppers/Chickenfoot drummer Chad Smith, guitarist Jeff Kollman, keyboardist Ed Roth, and bassist Kevin Chown), is back with their sophomore full-length album. Aptly titled, "More Meat," the album is jam-packed follow-up to last year's critically acclaimed "Meet the Meatbats," and once more, is released by Warrior Records via Universal Music Group Distribution. "'More Meat' is just that...it has much more music on the bone," quips Smith. "We stretched out more, the playing is more tighter, and there's a more improved recorded sound, haha!" "There is a new depth to the songs and the band has it's own vibe," adds Roth. "We have all played live together so much that the band has really found it's sound. Since so much of this group is interplay and listening, it was important that this time around when recording we were set up so that we could really hear ourselves and each other well. This contributed to some very strong performances." Smith originally crossed paths with Kollman and Roth via their mutual association with legendary singer/bassist Glenn Hughes (Smith is best friends with Hughes and he, Kollman and Roth act as his solo band). After it was discovered through jam sessions that the trio had developed an instant chemistry, Kollman suggested his pal Kevin Chown would be the perfect four-string fit. And then...voila! The Meatbats were born. As with their debut, "More Meat" is an incredibly consistent listen from front to back, shifting gears from smooth jazz, funk, and rock - a recipe for some truly tasty modern fusion. As Kollman recalls, "We basically moved in to a small Venice studio and recorded over a three day weekend. DONE! Writing-wise, it was par for the course. I planted the seed on a few of the tunes at home and presented them to the Meatbats. Ed would throw in that brilliant bridge or a melody that I couldn't find. The Bats then performed quick surgery and turned it into magic...but much of the record was written by all as we jammed in the infamous Malibu Tiki room at Chad's house in Malibu.

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Album Review

Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats: Live Meat and Potatoes

Read "Live Meat and Potatoes" reviewed by Glenn Astarita


Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith spreads his wings on this Pristinely recorded, high-impact jazz fusion outing captured at the Baked Potato in North Hollywood, CA. From a technical perspective, the members of the Chili Peppers were always cited as serious-minded musicians, possessing the goods to delve into various musical formats or genres. Smith, nascent guitar hero, Jeff Kollman, and the remaining band members initiate a kinetic performance, transferring radiantly to disc. The press materials indicate that ...

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* iTunes "'Meet The Meatbats' - Top 10 Jazz Album" * Rolling Stone - "There is a heavy 70’s fusion vibe (a la vintage ‘Return to Forever’)." * Artist Direct - "Instantly, you know it's going to be a good time." * Ultimate Guitar - "Chad Smith's Bombsatic Meatbat's were born and are now delivering the monstrous dose of funk that has been missing for a while. This is one act that shouldn't remain under the radar." * Anti-Music - "I absolutely love this album. This is a super- charged record that runs the gamut of moods…Chad and the guys are pouring their joy of music out through each and every note

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Jeff Beck
guitar

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Live Meat and Potatoes

Self Produced
2012

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More Meat

Warrior Records
2010

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Meet The Meatbats

Warrior Records
2009

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