AMG Review of Get 2 It

Steven Loewy
All Music Guide

It is not easy performing on an electrified trombone: It's difficult to play in tune and to avoid a muddy sound. Robin Eubanks plays the instrument convincingly, imitating the sound of the electric guitar. While this recording is not the final statement on the electric 'bone, Eubanks shows that it can be blown accurately, tunefully, and uniquely. While he splits his time with some fine acoustic work, it is the electric version that makes this album something different. Without the electricity, Eubanks is as smooth as J.J. Johnson, with a wonderful legato tongue that places him in the heart of the hard bop tradition. When electrified, Eubanks is a transformed Hendrix of the sackbut, and when he adds the requisite vocals and percussion, as on the title cut, "Get 2 It," Eubanks goes for the gold. It helps to be in the company of pianist/ organist George Colligan, who rollicks ever so suavely. It also helps to be accompanied by brother Kevin, a consummate guitarist. On the final track, the trombonist talks about the recording, an interesting replacement (or potential supplement) for liner notes. (It is surprising that this is not done more often.) The changing personnel on each track diminishes the continuity somewhat, although Robin Eubanks is, of course, the unifying factor. While this may not be the trombonist's breakthrough album, it is a thoughtful and original contribution, and a likely precursor of more to come.