Next time you hear “Copacabana,” imagine guitarist Jon Pondel and keyboardist Ron Pedley – collectively recording now as Kombo – playing it on tour behind Barry Manilow in the early 80s. They later joined forces with two other Manilow bandmates to form Uncle Festive, which scored radio hits in the late 80s and 90s. Pondel and Pedley then launched Kombo around the turn of the century. Over 20 years since their last album, the duo’s new, auspiciously titled collection THIS IS THE GOOD ONE, finds them jamming like no time has passed on funky, fluid, moody and soulful guitar and retro keyboard driven tunes - including several with a swinging horn section. Their blend of driving grooves and whimsical adventure hits the sweet spot between Smooth Jazz and contemporary jazz fusion.
