Gerald Veasley, an in-demand bassist for dozens of artists (amidst lengthy periods with
Grover Washington, Jr. and
the Zawinul Syndicate), finally debuted as a leader with 1992's
Look Ahead.
Veasley welcomed both
Washington and
Zawinul on single tracks,
Zawinul's feature being one of his best-known compositions, "Country Preacher." Elsewhere,
Veasley works with varying lineups usually anchored by keyboard player Mark Knox, who detracts slightly from the jazz flavor of the date, though his keys do add atmosphere to several tracks.
Veasley's spry six-string bass is heard best on "Fly Spy" (with
Washington), though the most enjoyable cut on the record is the '70s funk throwback "Sweet Mary." ~ John Bush