World class! It’s a term often used, often loosely, sometimes even carelessly … and what does it mean anyway? When used in context of a recording artist’s press release, the author’s goal is generally to create some hype, give the impression that the subject is just as talented as those whom roam the stage internationally. A more humble definition could be that when played, the recording could easily present equal parts enjoyment to anyone, anywhere in the world, irrespective of language, colour, religion or creed. Whatever the definition, it can be said without fear of contradiction, that Australian bassist extraordinaire Wayne Jones’ debut solo album Forgotten Melody’ is ALL class. From the opening few bars of track one of this album, the chuggalong “Tom’s Shuffle’, there’s no disputing Wayne’s amazing command of the bass as he plucks and slaps with a fluidity and freedom that many others could only ever aspire to. While Ron, Ash, and James provide feel good melody flashes, and Gerry keeps it all tight and together, Wayne can’t help but slide out of the pocket and into the forefront with some astonishingly liquid bass licks. With track two, the title track “Forgotten Melody”, Wayne slips into something more sublime. It’s an after dark jazz cocktail featuring Wayne’s lead melody on his Status six string with the immaculate production values capturing every resonance of his strings. ‘Gone for a Walk’, ‘Hole in My Pocket’ and ‘Written Hour’ follow, each providing a joyous v