The first thing that comes to mind
when listening to this cd is, “Wow! That
bassist sure knows how to come up with a pathetic groove. Yeah, he might be able to hold down the fort
in a metal band, but compared to a bassist well versed in jazz he comes across
as a simpleton.”
The second thing that comes to mind
is that this cd does have some redeeming tracks, and that Skolnick’s jazz
version of a Metallica song for track 5 is flat out amazing. If you are into collecting Metallica
rarities, this version of a Metallica song is priceless. In fact, what occurred to me is that this
song could have made it as a jazz standard from the very beginning even if it
was not a heavy metal song first.
I think Skolnick has the possibility
of putting out better works than Veritas, especially if he plays with better
musicians.
Let me put it this way: About 15min away from me there is a music
business that gives lessons for kids.
One of the best parts about this business is that the guy who runs it
makes bands for the kids with folks at their age level. Usually, the kids that play in the bands are
13 to 16 years old. Some of them are
quite impressive for their age and level of play. Most of these kids from age 13 to 16 years
old are at about the level that Skolnick’s rhythm section plays at. However, for Skolnick himself, none of these
kids I have known of have been able to play at his level of play. Skolnick impresses me and I would call him a
very gifted guitarist who deserves better surroundings, but I am a music snob,
and Veritas doesn’t make the cut as far as really good jazz albums go. That be the truth about this album.
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