CAB (2000)

CAB, released in 2000, marks the debut of CAB and establishes the foundation for what would become one of the most groove-driven fusion projects of its era. The album features Bunny Brunel on bass, Tony MacAlpine on guitar, Dennis Chambers on drums, and Brian Auger on Hammond organ. This lineup introduces the defining chemistry of the group—where deep pocket, harmonic richness, and technical command converge into a cohesive and highly musical statement.

The album consists of ten tracks: “Night Splash,” “CAB,” “So There Is Love,” “Just Perfect,” “One for Stern,” “The Watcher,” “Atamanashi,” “Boogie Me,” “Elastic Man,” and “Bernard.” From the opening moments, CAB establishes a strong rhythmic identity, driven by Brunel’s fluid yet grounded bass lines and Chambers’ unmistakable pocket, which anchors the music with weight, elasticity, and forward motion. MacAlpine’s precise phrasing and tonal clarity weave seamlessly through the arrangements, while Auger’s organ provides warmth and depth, shaping the album’s harmonic landscape.

Across the record, the ensemble balances intricate compositions with an emphasis on feel and interaction, allowing the music to breathe while maintaining a high level of intensity. Tracks such as “Night Splash,” “One for Stern,” and “Boogie Me” stand out for their groove, personality, and dynamic interplay, offering clear entry points into the album’s sound. These selections highlight where the band locks most fully into its pocket, setting the tone for the group’s identity moving forward.

CAB ultimately serves as the blueprint for the band’s evolution—grounded in groove, elevated by virtuosity, and driven by a collective understanding that technique is most powerful when it serves the feel.