Customer Reviews

Beyond

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have to agree with the great jazz writer Gary Giddins when he says that no player of this generation has captured the 'body and soul' of Coltrane like Josh Redman. Yet, Redman has a style that's uniquely his own. 'Beyond' is a superd record - and one which gets better with each listening. The sweetness of his tone is a delight. He seems to combine dazzlingly fluid improvisation with starkly simple melodies. His playing is always pushing the envelope, yet always rooted in raw blues. Although it is a studio album, 'Beyond' has all of the immediacy of live performance. Throughout, the backing band is sensitive, and supremely talented. Aaran Goldberg is one of the best, blusiest pianists I have heard recently. Some highlights....it would be no exaggeration to say that 'Neverend' is one of the most gorgeous ballads I have ever heard - and not just from Josh Redman! The tenor duet with Mark Truner on 'Leap of Faith' is stunning. After a smoldering eastern-flavoured improvisation by the two saxophones, the band kicks in, and this track just swings! 'Twilight...and beyond' is a masterpiece. Taking the form of a suite, this one shows the band in perfect harmony - there is a phrase Redman plays just before the piano solo which is so gut-wrenchingly brilliant it blows me away...only to be followed by a sparkling solo by Goldberg! I wholeheartedly recommend this album to any jazz fan...it's a treat! I am definitely looking forward to seeing Redman live next month!

Hi guys! Since the fact that I'm italian, I'm sure you'll close an eye, or both, about the mistakes that necessarily will occur to me. I own the entire discography of this fantastic sax player, and when I last heard him play here in Rome, during summer '98, I realized of the huge potential that he really got. An absolutely stunning experience, listen to him alive, for those that still haven't done such thing, is something hard to explain. Well I said enough! The new album, is the perfect soundstage to this artist. It shows, one more time, that Joshua's tecnique, is continuosly growing up, without that self-celebration that sometimes other artists are showing after a number of recordings. This new album set a new standard in "young jazz" quality, showing that not only the "old lions" makes good recordings. The artistic rate, as well the sound quality, are at the highest level, and this, to me as an audiophile and music lover, is something I love to find. In shorts: highly recomended!

mr. redman gives us an outstanding jazz session on this album. the first three tracks ("courage," "belonging," and "neverend")draw us into a solid neo-bop atmosphere. mr. redman has obvioiusly grasped the lessons of the masters. one hears the echoes of sonny rollins, dexter gordon, and hank mobley as mr. redman weaves and dances through these songs. all the while, though, mr. redman continues to give us his own voice. he swings and sings throughout the album with high energy. the album really hits it stride on the lengthier selections in the middle ("leap of faith," "balance" and "twilight"). here we get to hear mr. redman stretch out and never meander, never lose focus as he developes his themes with style and grace. moreover, his support really shines through. aaron goldberg is a find on piano. just dig his soloes and comping throughout, you'll want to find more by him. also, hearing mr. redman and mark turner together is a real treat ("leap of faith"). finally, mr. redman shows his mastery of all the major saxes. his work on alto and soprano throughout are outstanding. the only gripe is that i wish he would dabble with some of the adventuresome spirit of his father, dewey redman. son joshua obviously has the ability to explore, it'd be nice to hear the results.

Redman comes into his own on this marvelous and multifacetted recording. He has deepened and developed his style and put together a group that swings furiously, even on the more complex charts such as the opening number. Redman blows smart and hip on alto, tenor, and soprano. His style reminds me a bit of Wayne Shorter, but it is no mere imitation. He has found his own voice amidst the rich jazz tradition. Redman also composed all of the tunes, none of which is a loser. Bravo, Mr. Redman!

--Doug Groothuis

I cannot imagine a more graceful blending of two often contradictory trends, a spirit of improvisation that remains unabashed in its delight for the beautiful. I think Trane would be pleased to see his spiit so reverently sustained. Almost every cut evolves into something greater than the sum of its parts. This has a nicely balanced supporting cast, and I will continue to look for big things for pianist Aaron Goldberg. In short, both tasteful and tasty. This would be a great disc to use to introduce improvisational, free jazz to a neophyte, working backwards towards his spiritual and aesthetic forebears.

What I liked about this album, perhaps the most enjoyable from this artist, was the complete ease his playing conveys throughout. Whether lyrical as on "Courage" or upbeat as on "Stoic" or sensuous and melodic almost Ben Websterish on "Twilight ...and beyond" Mr Redman is completely at ease, with nothing to prove. If Mr Charles Parker was right when he said "If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn" then Mr Redman is one contended human with Peace in his heart. I loved the tongueing - slapping a la early Hawk on "Last Rites of Rock and Roll" which was a real hoot. Overall, a very well conceived and well played album worthy of many many listenings.

This is, without a doubt, the best work that Joshua Redman has put out. It's a natural progression from his last CD, Timeless Tales, but with his own songs, which have matured immensely and grown. It is smooth and heartfelt and one of my new all-time favorites.

One of the great strengths of Joshua Redman is his insatiable appetite for seeking new directions. For a player with such a short career his albums show a remarkable diversity and originality, something that is due in large part to Redman's skills as a composer. On Beyond Redman once takes a new route, consisting of original compositions only. The album has a kind of inward looking, pensive mood. But whilst his other albums succeeded in presenting a clear direction and concept, on this one the band seems to struggle with the material that seems to be too stubborn to get things going. The tunes and the solos lack the supreme combination of sophistication and soul that Redman is so famous for. Redman and his band are of course playing too solid to disappoint any serious jazz fan, but those that really want to get to know this brilliant saxophonist should start with Wish, Live at the Village Vanguard or Freedom in the Groove. Or wait a while: his urge in developing himself will definitely bring us an album that will match his earlier work.

Jazz fans hear this, Joshua Redman is in full swing. John Coltrane once started a movement, and who better than Redman to continue Coltrane's vision. I have recently began to collect many jazz cd's, and Redman plays no less impresive material than Coltrane did with "The Classic Quartet". Redman is a magnificent musician, and this is by far his most mature effort. Album highlights include, "Courage", "Twilight ......and Beyond", and "Belonging". In short, if you are a Coltrane fan, you owe it to yourself to hustle down to the store and pick this album up.

Josh really seems to be moving in some new directions again with this album and still keeps his listeners close at heart. Great band and the odd timing keeps you on your toes! Like the duet with Mark Turner.