SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BERNIE WORRELL – WAVE FROM THE WOONIVERSE

BERNIE WORRELL
WAVE FROM THE WOONIVERSE
ORG MUSIC

The legacy of Bernie Worrell continues to develop despite his passing in 2016. The estate of legendary keyboardist, primarily known for his work with the revolutionary Parliament and Funkadelic, has released Wave From The WOOniverse, a double album consisting of songs written and recorded by Worrell and completed by his lifelong peers and friends. The resulting album features a wide range of artists, including the likes of Bootsy Collins, Buckethead, Sean Lennon, Mike Watt, John Norwood Fisher, and many more, alongside a lost track from Funkadelic.

Opening to a serene array of birds, “Intro (Reflections On A Bird)” is a loose sketch following Worrell’s wobbly synths and an accompanying piano. The song feels relatively untouched, despite featuring Nick Montoya, giving the album a reflective tone. If anything, “Intro (Reflections On A Bird)” acts as a moment of reflection and remembrance for Worrell. Wave From The WOOniverse continues forward with “Distant Star”, an ‘80s inspired funk song that pulls inspiration from the sounds of Parliament, disco, and Prince. Featuring Jerry Harrison, Paul Dooley, and Alecia Chakour, the song is much more complete, demonstrated a greater artistic vision behind the work that Worrell had left behind, and the extensive work from contributing artists to bring these recording to life.

“Distant Star” appropriately sets the tone for the direction that Worrell sought with the album. Wave From The WOOniverse is driven by outrageously funky tracks from another era of the likes of “What Have They Done To My Funk” (featuring Bootsy Collins, Michael Moon Reubens, Ouiwey Collins, and Buckethead on a shredding guitar solo), the sludgy “Soldiers Of The Stars” (featuring Daru Jones and Eric McFadden), and the 80s closing title track, (featuring Miho Hatori, Sarah La Puerta, and Steve Scales), among many more. Additionally, there are a number of instrumental tracks on the album which shine just as bright. “Re-Enter Black Light (Phase II)” (featuring Sean Lennon) is incredibly cinematic as the song unfolds while “Greenpoint” (featuring Steven Bernstein with Smokey Hormel, Mauro Refosco, Scott Hogan, and Michael Jerome) leans into a jazzy spirit that is reminiscent of Herbie Hancock in its use of saxophone solos amid elements of avant-garde to incredible effect. Similarly, “Transcendence” (featuring Marc Ribot and Norwood Fisher) is a near 17-min sonic journey that lives up to its name through a celestial tone. Most notably however, is “Contusion”, a lost Funkadelic instrumental jam that feels greatly inspired by the blues of Jimi Hendrix.

Wave From The WOOniverse is a celebration of funk music through the cosmic lens of Worrell’s artistic vision. The album will leave you longing to hear more of Worrell’s unreleased work. Furthermore, the record demonstrates his brilliance for the mere sake that his very strong collection was recorded largely in his absence, illustrating a level of brilliance in Worrell’s songwriting. Should Wave From The WOOniverse be the final album from Worrell, then it stands as a monumental testament to the rich legacy of Worrell’s music and life as a true funk pioneer and innovator.

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