Rented Mule - "F"

Rented Mule "X"
Reviewed By: Jeff Becker
Year: 2009

Personnel: D.A. Jones (drums), Marcell Bellinger (trumpet), Jason O'Mara (saxophones), Camille G. Brown, (keyboards, Pete McRae (guitar), Napoleon Black (percussion), Dan Greenberg (bass)

Rented Mule “X” is the sophomore effort by this group that has a sound reminiscent of the early fusion meets R&B, sound of late 70’s. While conceptually a great idea the release didn’t really have a fresh approach, it was honestly a dated sound performed by an ensemble who reminded me of a club group, instead of recording artists.

Overall the highlight on this disc is Don ‘D.A.’ Jones (drummer) and Dan Greenberg (bassist) unfortunately the rest of the ensemble sounds very young which creates even more focus on the weak points of the CD.

Additionally there is a sonic problem within the recording. The bass doesn’t resonate clearly throughout the recording, which especially in this type musical presentation it is imperative to feel the thump of the bass along with crisp clarity of sound for the true enjoyment this genre has to offer. Overall, the lack of clarity adds to distaste for the recording. It almost felt like a jam session instead of a national release.