Customer Reviews

Altitude

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As with the first two installments of Groundtruther, volume three features Charlie Hunter and Bobby Previte with a guest. In this case, it is the great John Medeski. Entitled "Above Sea Level," the first disc features the album's rockin' electric set. This disc is high on the pyrotechnics and psychedelics. Indeed, 'Everest' sounds like a nod to the second set Space that the Grateful Dead played during their concerts in the 1990's. Highlights include 'Pyramid of Giza' and 'Seoul Tower.' While the first disc is loose, "Below Sea Level" goes for broke and plays acoustic free jazz. At times, the self-indulgent wandering seems to exclude Charlie Hunter. If the potential listener is going to invest in this product, the first disc is where it's at. Writing from my experience, the Groundtruther series plays music that will not come to the listerner; rather the listener must come to the music. Some may need transcendents to appreciate the series. In the very least, these recordings require the effort of repeated listens and an open mind. All of the Groundtruthers sound like the groups are jamming together for the first time. Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't. In this setting, Hunter, Medeski and Previte have serious chemistry. On "Latitude" (the project with Greg Osby on sax), the effort has more of an electronica feel. "Longitude" (the project with DJ Logic) can be dismissed as just being wacked. On the other hand, this band plays with more of a straight rock feel, giving nods to fusion and funk. All in all, this is probably the strongest in terms of the musicians, chemistry and results. The potential consumer should go into this with eyes open: "Altitude" is too far out to appeal to most listeners. In weighing the strengths and weaknesses, "Altitude" is worthwhile for those with adventurous ears.

If you like an offbeat mix of jazz, funk, rock, etc. then you will love this CD. It's a great eclectic mix, yet hold together very well. I've probably played it 10 times in the last couple of weeks and this will stay on my play list long term.

great muscianship and experimental avant garde jazz----I personally enjoyed disc one more, but again both are worthy of a listen.
Anthony hanley

This is a review of the sound quality only.

I am starting to think some jazz musician wish they were rockers. What else can explain their desire to have their records squashed and mastered aggressive and in your face and hot to the point of distortion and clipping? Maybe it's money, I guess. Some believe that squashed albums sell better, but I think that is bunk. An album that is less emotionally engaging and sounds worse cannot be better for sales, and that is exactly what making a loudness war victim entails.

Track 7 on this disk is inexcusable for a jazz release. The effective dynamic range is 6dB, which is something you'd expect to see on an Iggy Pop record mastered in the last decade. The other tracks aren't quite as bad, but they to possess a fair amount of clipping and distortion. Sad really.

For more info go to wikipedia and look up "loudness war" or google 'pleasurize music' or 'turnmeup'.

If you like these (CH, BP, JM) trade friendly artists you better don't miss this fantastic double CD. You'll enjoy the great 7 strings (electric & acoustic) guitars played by Charlie, John's keys & the drum MASTER in a not often heard jazz trio. Dive below sea level or ride your player above sea level and good journey! My favorite song is 'Seoul Tower', but you'll find MANY jewels above or below. Three MASTERS performing in a wonderful collection.
Ahhhh! Long live The Fred!