RICK LATHAM
And The Groove Doctors (RLP Records)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Rick Latham has been an in-demand drummer for years, having played with such well know stars as B.B. King, Quincy Jones, Edgar Winters, Neal Schon, Pat Travers, Bill Watrous, and Larry Carlton to name a few. In addition, Latham has written one of the best selling instructional drum books ever, titled "Advanced Funk Studies." Obviously, the man knows how to play drums, and play them well.

Rick Latham And The Groove Doctors is the debut recording for Latham's latest venture. Latham, on drums, is joined by Mack Dougherty on guitar, Vail Johnson on bass, Bob Luna on keyboards, Ken Tussing on trombone, and Albert Wing on sax and flute. Band members have resumes almost as rich and diverse as Latham's and know how to function as members of a tight team.

Rich and diverse also describes the music on this CD. Part jazz, part rock, lots of funk with catchy grooves, the music reminds me of some of the Crusaders recordings of the 1970s. Simple but infectious, And The Groove Doctors is just right for those moments in the day when a good foot tapping groove is required to get you charged for the day ahead.

© 2003 - Ron Saranich