Customer Reviews

Blueprints Of Jazz Vol. 1

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Wow!! What an exceptional recording to add to my extensive Jazz collection. Mike Clark and his band mates have managed to sum up the essence of Jazz on one recording. Balancing the art of improvisation, swinging melodies and exceptional chemistry, this music will stay on my playlist for a very long time. During a period when great music is few and far-between, "Blueprints Of Jazz" has me looking forward to Volume II. It is great to hear musicians of this caliber playing at the height of their game. Bravo, Mr. Clark!!!!!!

I've been lacking on some fresh music from something other than metal lately, so I turned into NPR a few weeks back and wanted to see if there were any jazz acts worth checking out. They played a track from this album and based on it convinced me to get the album. I knew it would be strong and was I right...

I'm delighted by how crisp, clear, and musical the album is. Mike Clark keeps the beats up-tempo and the ensemble is absolutely vibrant. There isn't a dull moment on this CD and it's definitely one that I can groove on over and over again.

What's remarkable to me is the response this has gotten from some friends of mine. We're talking about people who for one reason or another don't turn themselves on to jazz music. They heard this and were either like "Hey... sounds pretty good!" or "Man, that's REAL jazz right there!" True enough, this is one of those albums that can entice listeners from across the board.

The album's great. My personal favorite track is "Like That." Other tracks that stood out to me were "In The House", "Thanks Len", and "Clark Kent." Recommended for music fans and highly recommended for both drummers and jazz fans.

I purchased this CD when I heard one of the tracks, loft-funk, on the XM radio jazz station and this purchase was a pleasant surprise. It is straight ahead hard boppin jazz that sounds great. I also really like the cardboard sleeve and booklet that give a lot more information on this set. I recommend this to any jazz person you won't be disappointed.

This is great modern straight-ahead jazz with a cast of fine musicians:

Mike Clark - drums
Christian McBride - bass
Patrice Rushen - piano
Christian Scott - trumpet
Donald Harrison - alto sax
Jed Levy - tenor sax

The tunes are good too. If you like jazz, you should buy it.