The signing of keyboardist Ron Pedley and guitarist Jon Pondel to Shanachie Records marks not only the rebirth of their early 2000s hipster duo Kombo - but also a partial resurrection of the classic 80's/90's fusion quartet Uncle Festive, comprised of Pedley, Pondel and two other members of Barry Manilow's longtime touring band. With Bud Harner adding cymbal swells and bell, three quarters of UF appears on Kombo's latest, vibey and struttin' album that lives up to its title, PRETTY SOLID. Driven by the seamless rapport between Pedley's classic keyboards (Hammond B3, Fender Rhodes, Minimoog), Pondel's edgy electric and warm acoustic and the popping rhythm section of Matt and Gregg Bissonette, it's a soul-minded blend of blues, classic jazz and melodic smooth grooves.
