Customer Reviews

Blackburst

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is certainly an album for listening to on long languid nights. Recorded without the rappers that contributed to the album "the Jazzhole" it benefits from an excellent programmed drum sound, and a much tighter editing than its predecessor. The vocals mainly come from Marlon Saunders who has a distinctive soul-drenched voice. He's helped by vocals on 2 tracks from Rosa Russ and another two from Michella Deville which adds variety. Kevin Disimone who was more centrally involved on the previous album contributes vocals on track 8. The keyboards are mixed further forward on this CD, and there's sparse use of a range of other instruments. The tracks neatly merge from one to another. Favourites on this outing are "Winter Sky" which features Michella Deville, and "Never Can forget you" with Rosa Russ on vocals.However,this really is an album to play complete, rather than trying to pick out specific tracks.Use of the 'repeat' function is also recommended.A essential summer listen. Hopefully their new album, provisionally titled "Circle of the Sun", which was completed in January 2002 will be released before the end of the year, in the meantime this is one to embrace the summer with. Enjoy!

"The theory behind good music appears to be a pretty simple one-mix good songwriting, talented artists, and inspired production. Jazzhole founding members Marlon Saunders and Warren Rosenstein seem to understand that recipe. "Blackburst" is filled with luscious grooves and intense rhythms. "You're My Baby," featuring Rosa Russ, sets a mood as Saunders and Russ lay down sensuous riffs, perfect for late nights with that special someone. That passionate feeling continues on tracks like "Hush," where Saunders solos with very sultry results. "Winter Sky," featuring newcomer Michella Deville, is a mellow piece accented wonderfully by saxophone passages. The group increases the vibe quotient on the funk-inspired piano and guitar inflections of both "Interlude" and "Dancing In My Head." The seamless fusion of drum'n'bass and Latin music on "Interlude Two" only further piques the interest of what might have been possible had it not been just an interlude. "Blackburst" is a balanced effort that pays off in its simplicity. Fans of Sweetback, Sade, and Maxwell should give this serious consideration."

Jazzhole's got it going on! Try this CD, you won't regret it. Great on your sexy mixed tape with D'Angelo and Maxwell, with a touch of Meshell Ndegeocello. Their newest CD, 'Circle of the Sun', is just as good, maybe even better. I honestly would have a hard time picking between them, I love them both so much. 'Blackburst' has a few more uptempo tracks, while 'Circle of the Sun' is more chilled out, with some world music influences, maybe like Bebel Gilberto meets D'Angelo...

Anyway you slice it, 'Blackburst' is a sexy and mellow CD. Hard not to love it.

I have this awful habit of doing things back to front. I loved Jazzhole's "Circle of the Sun" which is their second CD and it is only recently that I have acquired "Blackburst" which came out first. Once again my ears have been subjected to another audible candy box treat. I now don't know which of these two CD's I like the most, I'm spoilt for choice yet again! They are both so different and yet you can find a common thread that runs throughout both CD's. Perhaps it the artists who are singing or the music itself? I'm not sure but what I do know is that what I am listening and relaxing to is wonderful to both my ears and soul.

"Blackburst" has an almost seamless stream of music from beginning to end. Some people might find this disconcerting, I find it relaxing and it totally adds to my enjoyment of the album even more.

Where do I start with my review of the various delicious songs on this album? "What Kind of Love?" is haunting and melodious. I have to admit to being a fan of Marlon Saunders wonderful voice after hearing him for the first time on "Circle of the Sun." He's a great solo artist but he's just as good doing a duet. "You're my baby" has a quality all of its own, you can imagine Saunders and Russ talking to each other only they are doing it in song instead. Wonderful! "Dancing In My Head" is more upbeat with a sassy rhythm and great lyrics, once again sung by Saunders. However one must save the best for last and "Black Heaven" is for me what Jazzhole's "Blackburst" is about.. Michella Deville sings like an Angel in sequins. You can hear the shimmering tones of her voice accompanied by the gentle beat of drums in the background.

I am aware that this sort of music is not to everyone's taste but for me it is pure musical elegance in a cardboard wrapping. Simply sumptuous.

I have heard other CD titles that Jazzhole has released, but this one really cought my attention. Blackburst has got to be one of the best all acidjazz CD thats out. I had to add this one to my collection and it has replaced Grenique in my CD changer. The title has your late night with your honey tracks and the get up and shake your @ss tracks for all acidjazz lovers. Don't just take my word on this, ask anyone else who's a fan of acid and get there opinion on Blackburst. Good music is good music and this one is great!

oNe

Jazzhole's third album, their first for Beave, explores the atmospheric trip-hop-jazz-R&B hybrid they developed on their first two albums. With a core of Warren Rosenstein, Marlon Saunders and Jon Pondel producing, Jazzhole takes on guest instrumentalists and vocalists, as well as the studio itself. The productions are sophisticated creations, with instruments, samples and voices mixed into a near-seamless experience. At this point in their career, some of their productions still feel a bit constructed -- the band's followup, "Circle of the Sun," would offer a more deft touch at this ethereal mix -- but for the most part there's an organic flow to each cut. Their cover of Sylvia's "Pillow Talk" is too busy for its own good (which is especially disappointing given the fine duet between Saunders and Rosa Russ), and the Velvet Underground's "Femme Fatale" is smoothed out to the point of dissipation. More winning are the instrumental interludes and moody sketches like "Never Can Forget You." The album's ambient groove is subtly funky (especially the bottom end), and the downbeat tempos and gentle timbres are equally at home in either background or foreground.

Like many, I picked up Jazzhole's latest release, Circle of the Sun, first. I was immediately entranced by the original compositions, and the covers that sounded like anything but!!

THIS CD is worth every cent!! It starts with the tremendous Saunders composition, "What Kind of Love" which transports you back to the long-forgotten Soul music of the '70s, but with innovative and original instrumentation. But it is the "You're My Baby", combined with the "Pillow Talk" that is a MUST have here. Some of you may remember Pillow Talk as a one-hit wonder for Sylvia back in '73. However, combined with the former song, those who didn't know couldn't possibly even tell it's a remake. Saunders, who sings and writes as good as ANY artist for seductive soul, cleverly combines "You're My Baby" with "Pillow Talk" -- seamlessly, and to tremendous effect. The result is a 12-minute erotic journey that cannot be topped.

"Hush" follows, and gets into the multi-vocal harmony, only this time, so mellow and hushed, while still delivering incredible vocals and dissanant harmonies that has to be heard to be believed! "Winter Sky" is another masterpiece, featuring Michella Deville in an outstanding vocal performance. "Femme Fatale" is an incredible mix of harmonies, intrumentation, and just plain erotic feelings that mixes beautifully with all of the previous selections.

Other standouts, are "Never Can Forget You" and "Wondering." With these tracks the music picks up a bit, but never loses the mellowness of the entire CD. I'm sure the group would hate comparisons to earlier artists, so I'm gonna try and avoid them here. BUT if you miss the seductive soul of the '70s, as I do, and yearn for new voices and creations in this field, this, again, is a MUST HAVE CD. I've played it countless times, each time hearing something new. Even your grandparents would love this CD, smooth, pure music, and that means extraordinary talent behind it all.

I hear that Marlon Saunders is putting out a solo CD. While that is great, I hope this group continues to put out the solid work it has. Now, if only we could get radio to PLAY this type of music again, it would only add joy to this world.

This is the perfect CD to put on, and hit repeat, for romantic evenings with those close to you. You simply cannot get music more sexy, and full than this. My eternal gratitude for this group, and hope for many more releases..........as I cannot wait.

This is one sexy album! That's about the closest I can get to describing it. The beats are hypnotic, the vocals smooth. There's a wonderful blend of male and female vocals, as well as jazzy instrumentals, and the music is truly haunting at times and I love the way that the songs blend into one another. Pillow Talk is one of my favourites on the album, although I have to say there's not one track that disappoints. This is one group that deserves wider recognition and hopefully soon they will have it. Also check out their "Circle of the Sun" album. This group is definately on my list of favourites and this album as well as the "Circle of the Sun" album get regular play in our home. I encourage anyone who loves neo-soul with a touch of jazz to check out this group. You won't be disappointed. Guaranteed!

I loved Jazzhole's later CD, "Circle Of The Sun", and now that I've discovered "Blackburst", it also is a favorite.

And of course, this is no lie. Most of us here have found an essential sound and rhythm in the music of Jazzhole. Sensitive instrumentation, heartfelt vocals, and overall driving effect of the percussion all make this superior R&B jazz.

Compared to "Circle Of The Sun", "Blackburst" has a more upbeat tempo to it and is purer R&B without as much world beat influence. The two CDs together exhibit what this group is capable of.

I especially enjoyed "Pillow Talk" with the voice of Rosa Russ. There's a familiar quality in her voice that reminds me of one of the great jazz and blues singers from the '40's, but can't quite place it.

There isn't a single cut here though to be faulted. This is, like "Circle Of The Sun", a CD you can put on your player and just let the music wash over you. It's R&B, but its appeal goes beyond that and should reach those who love Sade and the like.

I was thoroughly disappointed with this CD - I think Amazon recommended it to me through because of some dance or jazz CDs I bought. This is not Nu Jazz, this is not techno, this is not traditional jazz. I found the melodies uninspiring, the beats simplistic, more irritating than calming. It is more slowed down R&B with some wanna-be beats slapped on at the end, with some crappy saxophone reminiscent of Kenny G playing in the background. I pretty much hate this CD.