The Bona-Weckl Connection: How Two Legends Redefined Live Fusion
Fusion Experience Quartet Lights Up Portorož with Unforgettable Musical Chemistry
Avditorij Portorož, Saturday, May 3rd, 2025
There are concerts, and then there are moments—those rare evenings when music transcends genre, geography, and expectation. Saturday night at Avditorij Portorož offered exactly that, as the Fusion Experience Quartet delivered a set that was nothing short of electrifying. With a lineup boasting some of the most revered names in jazz and world music, expectations were sky-high—and yet, they were effortlessly exceeded.
The brainchild of Italian guitarist and producer Ciro Manna, the Fusion Experience Quartet was conceived as a musical dialogue between diverse cultures and artistic sensibilities. Manna’s vision—to fuse jazz, fusion, and world music into a coherent and emotionally charged language—came to vivid life thanks to a stellar ensemble: Dave Weckl on drums, Richard Bona on bass and vocals, Michael Lecoq on keyboards, and Manna himself on guitar.
Setting the Groove: Weckl and Bona Establish the Foundation
The band performed original compositions from each of the members, a thoughtful decision that gave the audience a rich and varied musical journey, woven together with seamless chemistry.
They kicked off the evening with “Swunk,” a groove-heavy piece written by Weckl and Jay Oliver. The song immediately set the tone—tight, funky, and deeply musical. The groove foundation laid down by Weckl and Bona was rock solid, and Bona was the first to solo, making his mark early with a playful quotation of John Scofield’s “Jean Pierre.” The band caught the reference with a rhythmic response that brought a smile to many faces in the crowd. Lecoq followed with a solo that stood out for its dynamic textural shift—from a bright lead sound to the warm shimmer of a Rhodes, offering a delightful contrast and melodic depth.
The second tune, “Te Misea”, was a Richard Bona original that gave the audience a window into his remarkable vocal artistry. With his effortless glide between bass and voice, it became clear that labeling him as simply a bassist or a singer would miss the point—he is, quite simply, a musician with a capital M.
Fusion Classics and Surprises: From Weckl’s “101 Shuffle” to “Some Skunk Funk”
One of the early highlights of the night came with a fiery rendition of Weckl’s fusion classic “101 Shuffle”, from his acclaimed Rhythm of the Soul album. Before diving in, Weckl shared that this was the first time this group was performing together on this tour—making it all the more special. Manna, who earlier confided about struggling with a persistent onstage guitar hum, completely rose above the challenge, delivering a performance filled with both technical prowess and heartfelt expression. The crowd was especially swept away by Weckl’s explosive drum solo at the end of the piece—virtuosic, inventive, and undeniably thrilling.
Throughout the evening, Bona’s relaxed stage presence kept the atmosphere light and engaging. He joked with bandmates and audience alike, effortlessly drawing everyone into the experience. He introduced “Hafrican”, a lively composition by Lecoq, and then surprised the audience with a cover—the only one of the night—of the Brecker Brothers’ fusion anthem “Some Skunk Funk.” It was a bold, high-energy choice that brought the house down and reminded everyone of the band’s shared roots in the broader fusion tradition.
Heart and Humor: Bona Shines on “Mut’ Esukudu”
Another standout was a beautiful performance of Bona’s “Mut’ Esukudu”, from his Bonafied album. It began with a stunning solo vocal intro by Bona—open, fluid, and emotive—that transitioned into a relaxed bossa nova groove. Lecoq delivered a tastefully phrased piano solo full of nuance and warmth, followed by Bona’s soulful bass solo, lyrical in its delivery. At the end of the piece, Bona held a high note with comedic exaggeration, joking that he was imitating a mosquito—an effortless blend of musicality and charm that endeared him even further to the audience.
Dancing to the Finish: A Soulful Send-Off with “Please Don’t Stop”
The final number of the evening was “Please Don’t Stop,” a co-written tune by Bona and John Legend, and it did exactly what its title suggested—it made us wish the night would never end. With its soul/R&B flair and undeniable rhythmic pulse, the song had the audience clapping along, many up on their feet dancing. The band closed the concert with full energy, earning a well-deserved standing ovation.
The Fusion Experience Quartet isn’t just a gathering of extraordinary musicians—it’s a living, breathing example of musical collaboration at its highest level. Each brought something distinct, yet the result was unified, heartfelt, and entirely unforgettable. On this warm May evening in Portorož, the band didn’t just perform—they celebrated. And we were lucky to be part of it.
