Customer Reviews

In the Blink of an Eye

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

 

 

I guess this is more of the Hammond B-3 revival that is going on these days, but Yazel is very talented. I agree that he is more in the introspective vein of a Larry Young or a Joey DeFrancesco than a straight ahead blues player like a John Patton or a Jimmy Smith. He is accompanied by Peter Bernstein who is probably the best guitar sideman in NYC (though Russell Malone is right there with him). Bernstein has done about 5 albums in this trio format as a leader, so he definitely knows what he's doing. Brian Blade is also under-rated, if you want to hear him cut loose listen to any of Joshua Redman's live recordings.

Sublime music from a beautifully balanced trio. Consummate under-stated playing but with plenty of interesting things going on under the reflective surface; but then what else would you expect with Blade and Bernstein in supporting roles. Kudos to Naxos!

I have to begin by disagreeing with the previous reviewer. Sam is the epitome of John Patton (and Larry Young, Billy Gardner, Bill Heid and Larry Goldings - - maybe a touch of Mel Rhyne as well). He probably never heard John's later stuff, in which a strong Coletrane/Wayne Shorter edge could be heard (check out Let Em Roll, which is current in press) I would never liken him to Joey D., and agree that his style is very different from Jimmy Smith. He doesn't play "hot"... speed and flash aren't what its about. Sam Yahel is a "cool" player. Nitpicking aside, we're in agreement though what a great and tasty player he is, His playing is very impressionistic... plus you definitely can't go wrong with Peter Bernstein, a guitarist who the likes of Lou Donaldson, Lonnie Smith, Larry Goldings and Mel Rhyne have either toured with or swear by. - - Sam Yahel is definitely one of the few players to have come out since Larry Young with something deep to say... and definitely is one of the best players on the scene, therefore I highly reccomend this CD.

Sam dabbles into a little of most of the styles of organist you have or probly will hear,but leaves you not able to identify with any one in particular,this in itself,and the sheer quality of his playing lends him a certin style of his own!if ya do like the organ ,listen!