Customer Reviews

Belief

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

 

 

Parker managed to capture some real magic with this disc, the musicians meshed seamlessly to create some amazing grooves. The interplay of Parker's drumming, the piano and saxophone on the first track alone makes this album worth the low low price.

Lots of innovative tunes here for those looking for something outside the "standards". Lively and interesting with some great vocal treatments to treat the listener to wonderful journey.

Buy and enjoy!

Parker's album was the highlight of 1996, smoother than the equally wonderful Pharoah Sanders album, Message From Home, that came out the same year. Parker tastefully selects an array of compositions, some his own, and arranges a jazz album with a contemporary sound, which was rare in a time of jazz nostalgia. Parker plays different percussion instruments, relying on traditional drums on just three of the nine pieces.

Creative, diverse, and eclectic yet filled with a thoughtful, rhythmic spirit. Great for a rainy day inside or a picnic in the park. The creativity reminds me of the mellower side of Thomas Dolby.

Belief, which was released in 1996, was my favorite jazz CD of that year. The stripped-down instrumental simplicity of Belief, with its African-style percussion sound, is truly compelling.

Leon Parker is a young drummer who aims to strip things down to their essential. Instead of a big flashy drum kit, he typically plays on stage with one snare, one cymbal, and a single bass drum. This two CDs feature him playing that setup, plus various other percussion instruments, including his own body. But nothing ever sounds as it is done for effect: there is a probing musical spirit at work. Parker interacts with the other musicians on these recordings in such a way that nobody ever intrudes on anyone else's space. You get the clear sense that the drummer is the leader, but you never sense that Parker is showing off or trying to steal the spotlight.

This is some of the freshest, most exciting, make-you-wanna-gitup-and-DANCE jazz that I have heard in quite a while. There's not a clunker cut--or even a clunker moment--on this CD. Sound quality is excellent: clear and dynamic.