Customer Reviews

Beyond Words

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This recording is kind of a cross between McFerrin's "Play" and his "Circlesongs". Like "Play", it is evident that he is taking his jazz seriously, but it has something of the minimalist approach of "Circlesongs". Those expecting the sunny "Don't Worry..." McFerrin will probably be disappointed.

While the music is not calm or inert, it is understated. The work here is subtle. He doesn't try to overpower you with his immense creativity. As the title suggests, there are no words in his singing -- something he has been exploring in most of his recent recordings. And in a bit of a departure, this CD is not just about him; he lets the other musicians take the spotlight.

Bobby is evolving -- into a more complete musician. That's not to say his earlier works are lessened in any way; it's a realization that Bobby can dovetail his ideas with others. All in all, an interesting recording with much to recommend it.

I've been a rock fan most of my life, but since I've been playing bass I've been listening to a lot more jazz. I bought this disc because Jazz Times gave it a good review. It's a great jazz album, but I was totally caught off guard by how much I enjoyed the world music aspects of the disc. Bobby's silky smooth lyrics just grabbed me, and the disc is now a permanent resident in my cd-changer.

Beyond Words, is a well created and good-sounding CD. The vocals are not words, which I did not know when I bought the CD. Nonetheless, the CD is like nothing I have ever heard and has a lot of soul. It took me a little while to get into, as some CDs do, but it was definitely a good buy. Addressing the song selection, well, after about a good half hour you get sick of them, they get rather repetitious. Bobby McFerrin undoubtedly is a skilled musician, his vocal range is extraodinary and his jazz singing, (check out him with Chick Corea) is well unbelievably amazingly spectacular. Back to the CD, some of the songs sound very similar to the Circlesong CD, if you like that, you'll like this too. A tip I have for you considering this CD is listen to the sampler tracks and see if you like it before getting this CD.

the first thing you notice about this bobby mcferrin album is how quickly he has evolved what scatting was going on in 'bang zoom'. 'beyond words' has a bit more ambient and world beat feel to it as well as a return to jazz. even though he ventures into many directions, the end result is a seamless whole which makes for a great mood album.

you find yourself easily humming along to some of the tracks. this is an album to soften lights and burn incense by, i always play it end to end without wondering or worrying about getting to a particular track.

jazz fans will be delighted by chick corea's return. the dance between he and mcferrin has mellowed and calmed since 'play'. i think it works much better. there is not so much virtuoso posturing this time, but the energy is punchy still. the reason for this is none other than omar hakim, the drummer who thrilled the world in sting's 'bring on the night' live concert in paris. he and mcferrin have a natural playfulness in their approach to music. anyone familiar with both will find this collaboration rewarding.

this is a nicely complex form of smooth, warm, internationally flavored jazzy music.

Get ready for action. Bobby joins Omar Hakim, Chick Corea, and Richard Bona to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Yum! Your guests will ask, "What in the world is this beautiful music?"

My favorite is the first track 'Invocation', but there are a number of worthwhile listens on the CD. Good music to keep on while you are doing something else... subtly stimulating and doesn't distract you with words. I prefer the ones that are more vocal than piano which is a change. There's a happy energetic quality to McFerrins "vocal sounds" that reach in, grabs you where you are, and lifts you a bit higher. I recommend.

Bobby Mc Ferrin has produced a CD of unparalleled beauty and power. If all you know of McFerrin is his hit, forget that altogether. This is music with soul, spirit, intelligence and passion, and his accomplices in this effort, especially Richard Bona, have produced a work that will be listened to hundreds of years from now. This is creative virtuosity, passionate singing and phenomenal dynamics in the service of conveying something deeply personal. Something more fundamental to being alive, I can not imagine. You will dance, cry, pray, love, worship as you listen to the music on this disc. I urge you now, stop reading this note and rush to get this disc. You will never be the same.

After seeing him live in Montreal, this CD was a bit of a letdown. It is too atmospheric for my taste. It lacks the wonderful humor and interchanges that occurred in concert, particularly with Richard Bona. Too bad a CD of the 2005 concert hasn't been released, and that the DVD is now out of print, because it really showcases McFerrin's incredible talent.

I recently saw Bobby on a show recently and was just amazed at how amazing he was at using his voice. I have always remembered him from "Don;t worry Be Happy"..not a bad song, but far from where he is in his music today. This cd is just plain breathtaking. How he uses his voice as a instrument is none like any other I have heard. I find him star quality and this cd is short none a huge 5 in my book. He has another cd coming out in April 2010 I believe. I will be waiting with digital download ready to go!! Wow...it is so great to see such a authentic artist with original guts like this guy!!! I highly highly recommend this jazzy, scatty, but wide range of songs...mostly upbeat! I LOVED IT!!! What a find of a download for 6.99!!!

The Bobby McFerrin I thought I knew was one of those artist who keep doing what they do best just to show us what makes him better than other artists. Music is just an instrument for them to accomplish this ambition. I hate them all.
I'm glad my prejudices didn't keep me from listening to this album. From track one, what you hear is Music taken as seriously and respectfully as it can possibly be, without one single false step. Then comes Kalimba Suite, able to grab your full attention from beginning to end. My god, what a wonderful song, this Silken Road. And so on. He keeps the same level of care and sensitiveness and wonder through all the tracks, always putting his admirable voice at Her service, never the opposite. And closes the album with a spiritually elevating song of a kind seldom ever heard. Beyond words. The title is actually more appropriate than anything that can be possibly be said about this album.