Pat Van Dyke Right On Time Artwork Square
Right On Time is the newest LP from Pat Van Dyke, an all-instrumental record that puts the drummer-producer's knack for genre-bending on full display. Rich with jazz, hip-hop, dub, and funk, the 10 track release is a major accomplishment for Van Dyke, who divides his time between producing records for others, composing for television, and honing his own music at home in New Jersey. It's bright, contemplative, and eminently poised at every moment--a record that gives every groove ample time to grow.
Lead-off track "Opening Credits" spreads wah-wah guitar over an unflappable drum beat, setting the scene before the tight clockwork ballad "Clarity" stretches out with synth horns and what has to be one of the most laid-back rhodes lines ever set to tape. Through the hazy dub of "Science Fiction" and calm brushes of the title track, Right on Time builds in variety but remains uncomplex. This is gorgeous instrumental music made for those who treasure great playing. One gets the notion that Van Dyke and his bandmates get together and do this sort of thing every Sunday afternoon, that Right On Time is the outcome of a hundred chilled out jam sessions.
The entire world will be able to purchase Pat Van Dyke's new work tomorrow, but Okayplayer is very proud to present a full advance listen of the album. It's just the right blend of patient playing over high-energy hip-hop backbeats, and fans of Robert Glasper, Badbadnotgood, Nicola Conte and Charlie Hunter will find themselves in audio bliss (twist our arm and we'll admit that the hard-grooving "Bossa Break" is our preferred cut). A signee of German trend-setting label Jakarta Records, the multi-instrumentalist will sit behind the drum kit at the album's release party on May 6th in New York City (details below). Right On Time is a record that grooves so comfortably it reassures you that all is right in the world. Open a window, let in the warm spring air, and listen to it below.
