Time Crunch

With their fifth recording, this 2001 release provides undeniable proof that the hard-driving power organ trio known as Niacin has achieved an artistic milestone. On this outing, Hammond B3 organist John Novello maneuvers his powerful and altogether fluid rhythm section through a series of memorable tunes also featuring a dynamic and unabashed rendition of the legendary King Crimson piece, Red. The trio also renders a blitzing, hard rock cover of keyboardist Jan Hammer's "Blue Wind." However, the musicians' unified approach, consisting of tightly woven fabrics of sound and multicolored themes, bears the mark of a unit who has perhaps reached the pinnacle of group-based success. Strong soloing abounds atop funk/fusion and first-call session ace drummer Dennis Chamber's heavy-handed, polyrhythmic attack. Whereas, the artists also jazz up the proceedings via tightly coordinated unison statements and melodious choruses amid a bevy of twists, turns, peaks, and valleys. Here, progressive rock receives a college education. Recommended.