Customer Reviews

Bonifas Quartet

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

 

 

This CD will not dissapoint any fan of a traditional jazz sound looking for fresh melodies. Bonifas writes in a varied yet traditional style that gives the listener a sense of discovering timeless classics. The playing on the CD is superb on all fronts. With a quartet of drums, bass, piano and guitar, every player brings out the best in their abilities without stepping over the boundries of what each song calls for.
A truly exceptional debut.

I am a student of the jazz guitar and I had the pleasure of seeing the Bonifas Quartet at Summerfest in Milwaukee this year and i greatly enjoyed the show. After the show Bill tossed some live cds into the crownd and I was lucky enough to grab one. I enjoyed this album greatly and all four all very talented musicians. A great blend of styles and if possible i would recommend seeing a live show.

January 1, 2002
The Bonifas Quartet album debut is a nice mixture of retro and contemporary jazz, jazz, funk-jazz, jazz ballads, and bossas' are represented here tastefully and honestly. Bill Bonifas' guitar style brings to mind jazz guitarists of both yesterday and today;from Grant Green and Wes Montgomery to Pat Matheny and John Scofield. The guitar is dominant on the album yet Bill is generous with his sidemen. Everyone gets a chance to shine and the interplay is evident throughout the album. From Bill's early works to now he has shown a natural growth and maturity. This is his finest work to date. I think hs has found a home!

Daryl Stuermer

I am a former student of upright jazz bass legend, Richard Davis. Schooled in the traditional, authentic history of this genre, I'd say that Bonifas yields a solid ode to the classics-then departs into riffs and licks from familiar, but fresh influences, providing a great listen. This sound is barking at the door of revolution. Bonifas Quartet is mindful of a western interpretation of jazz, but begging to take it to a new level. A great debut. I think we can expect further "out of the box" thinking, solid guitar solos and a flavorful experience that all music patrons will appreciate. Cheers!

I just love the bonifas quartet's self-titled first recording.
Melodic tunes with enough edge to keep things interesting. Bill is a great writer and guitarist, but let's his side-men shine. Mark Davis's piano has such a soulful heart and Dave Bayles'playing (drums)has this Billy Higgins energy that keeps things moving. A great debut.

Tammy Taylor

I am not a big jazz fan, but my husband heard this cd and got me a copy. I listen to it all the time in my car. I became hooked on the sound and really like the beautiful,changing melodies. Later we took a business trip to Milwaukee and ended up at Summerfest. I heard a familiar sound coming from one of the stages... it was the Bonifas Quartet! I met all the members of the band and am trying to get them to San Francisco.

I'm looking forward to the next recording!