JAYE FOUCHER
“Contagious Grooves”
Fuism Records
3/5

Just to look at the cover photo of this disc is to see an artist who has a genuine fire for her music. It shows most in her eyes, you can almost see her saying, “I am Woman, here me shred!” And shred she does albeit in a somewhat restrained fashion for my tastes. Technically speaking Foucher is walking the same side of the street as Vai and Satriani with a bit less emphasis on the notes per second. Each note seems to have extra sustain just to make sure that you get it which is probably the only difference in demonstrable confidence between the guitar guys mentioned and Foucher the best female guitarist I can think
of at the moment, “Zombieland” is a good example of this.
Foucher apparently likes working in a trio with herself on guitar and keyboards, John Vittori on bass and Matt Scurfield drumming but if I could be so If I may be so bold as to make a suggestion, what seems to be missing here is a fully integrated keyboard player. Foucher’s fingering
fills are adequate lying over the top but they are less than vibrant.

Also, the drumming is way too far up front at times, “Beginnings” being the worst offender. The most interesting track is also the most fun to listen to, “Up, up and Insane.” This should be the lead track on her demo should she be
shopping for a recording deal with one of the majors.

Reviewed by Dave Wilson