Alain Caron

No-nonsense, hard-driving fusion has always been Canadian bassist Alain Caron’s specialty, from the glory days of his former jazz-rock trio UZEB to his solo career over the last 16 years. Released as both a double CD and a DVD, this fiery 110-minute fusion tour de force captures Caron pushing the genre’s envelope by infusing his quartet’s epic instrumentals with modern electronica and urban influences, all without a hint of smooth jazz treacle. Highlights include Caron’s supple fretless work on the introspective ballads “Show Of Hands” and “Solitude.” His riveting slap chops are in ample evidence on the muscular workouts “Slam The Clown” and “D-Code.” The DVD version features tons of multi-angle fretboard and fingering close-ups that thrill and inspire in equal measure. (AP)