Customer Reviews

Bach Improvisations

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ira Stein has been a creative and very individual musician since his first releases on Windham Hill. His work on Narada Records further matured his artistic vision and he is now taking a first step with this album, Bach Chorals, to continue his musical expression regardless of what the music industry might find acceptable at the moment. He comes from a musical tradition that many people may not be familiar with but that deserves recognition.The group Oregon (Ralph Towner, Paul McCandless, and others) lay an important foundation for Stein's musical discoveries and his latest explorations into the sacred world of Bach's Chorals shows that he is an artist that deserves to be watched and followed. He is a great musician, a free spirit and a very creative arranger. Keep an eye out for his music in the years to come...

Last October (1998), when Ira and his group made this live CD at Yoshi's in Oakland, I was unfortunately hospitalized for emergency surgery, so I was unable to attend the concert. When the CD came out, my wife and I bought it, and I was entranced. Then, in March 1999, I was able to hear the group play some of the pieces at Borders in Emeryville. Absolutely top notch, even though Ira had to play a keyboard, and was on his feet the whole time.

These three first class musicians were all educated classically and in this album they not only return to their roots, but also expand the classical Chorales of Bach into what they have called "chamber jazz". Yes, it's jazz, but it's also got a bit of the "new age" about it.

Typically they play through a chorale pretty straight, and then the variations begin. Ira's piano craftsmanship is impeccable, and amazing. I hear Ira play two or three times a week (he's pianist at our church) and I never cease to be amazed at the skill and feeling that he brings to his playing. He improvises better than any pianist I have ever heard. Dann's saxophone is incredible--he is quite possibly the most accomplished saxophonist I have ever heard. Kenny G, eat your heart out. And Joe--he and his cello make love sounds together; it is as if they have become one, and are drawing sounds from the mind of God himself.

You will not believe this CD until you have heard it. I will give you a couple of caveats--I am not a professional musician myself, and I have a conflict of interest in that I know all three artists, and work closely with two of them day in and day out. But let me tell you this: Bach would approve of what they have done with his music. If you love Bach, and love jazz, you must have this CD.

I had the privilege to be present at Yoshi's the night this album was recorded. Everyone there was held spellbound by this music--which is classic and yet modern. Each piece begins with the Bach chorale statement and then these excellent musicians take the melodies present in every level of Bach and make concert jazz. My favorite is number four on the album "Hilf, Herr Jesu, lass gelingen," but the listener cannot go wrong with any of the nine numbers. The instrument combination of piano, cello and soprano saxophone is unusual to me, and I think it would surprise Bach also; but I also believe this is an exceptional way to get an appreciation of the beauty of the classical line while enjoying the modern presentation. The music is decorous and sensual at the same time--a most intriguing mix.

I am Ira Stein's niece, and I have listened to all of his C.D.'s and been to many of his concerts at Yoshi's in Oakland, CA. I think all of his recordings are very good. I really like his new C.D., BACH IMPROVISATIONS. I am 11 years old, and I have enjoyed his music all my life. He plays for me when I visit him in Oakland from my home of 2 years in Portland, OR. He has been playing piano for over 25 years. He is really an example that if you love something and try hard at it, you will succeed.

Beautiful and colorful improvs on some Bach favorites, with the piano work of Ira Stein and the sax playing of Dann Zinn being the highlights. The energy and enthusiasm recorded during this session is powerful stuff. Moments of true exhilaration in here. Don't miss this one!

Nine of Bach's chorales receive a stunning interpretation in this live recording by a trio of masters. Each of the musicians' talents are displayed brilliantly and their combined presence is dazzling. Together they unlock the spiritual energy of these chorales, from a haunting melancholy to a swinging joyful exuberance. The range and depth of emotions evoked in listening is unusually satisfying. So often we listen to a recording a few times then it sits on the shelf, but here is one that delivers more and more with each playing. These artists bring more than just craftsmanship, they offer themselves, and it is a priceless gift.

I had high hopes for this CD, which features a jazz trio (Ira Stein on piano, David Zinn on soprano saxophone, and Joseph Hébert on cello) improvising on nine Bach chorales in a live session that was recorded in Oakland, California, on September 29, 1998. Unfortunately, things just don't quite work. There seems to be nothing drastically wrong, but a number of little things just don't seem right, such as the sound of the soprano sax, the little pauses in the phrasing, the little swoons in the rhythm. The majesty and timelessness of Bach's inspiration begins to sound like so much New Age mindlessness. The Jacques Loussier Trio does jazz-inflected Bach much, much more convincingly than these three gentlemen.

Bach Improvisations is wonderfully relaxing and at the same time quite stimulating. I find myself listening to this incredible CD at all hours of the day and night.