Customer Reviews

Boundless

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I just picked up the debut CD, "Boundless", from accomplished jazz keyboardist Scott Wilkie right here at Amazon.com. I've known Scott since 1984 (we're both alumni of the Detroit r&b/jazz scene), so I knew to expect a wonderfully-produced CD of very musical, tightly arranged songs. The CD actually exceeded my already high expectations. There is something on Boundless for every contemporary jazz fan, from energetic, funky grooves ("Sporty!", "Sailcats"), to more introspective, melodic tunes (i.e., "Rivertown", and the solo piano "Reverie").

ALL aspiring keyboardists (and jazz players/listeners in general) will want this CD for three reasons: (1) The chord comping and overall arrangements (very innovative use of sounds, voicings, passing chords and dynamics); (2) The solos (the clavinet solo on "Those" is amazing...if you're a player, it alone makes the CD worth the price!); (3) The sounds and production - incredibly clean, with tight bass/drum tracks, wonderful saxophone tone/interplay, and outstanding percussion. The piano (much of it David Benoit's 7'5" grand) and other keyboards are also outstanding.

Scott is a rare exception in today's jazz keyboard world. He is a superb player, writer, arranger and performer (check out his stage presence and obvious love for live playing when The Scott Wilkie band comes your way). Scott's playing reminds me of a unique cross between Joe Sample and Jeff Lorber - but with his own signature. What puts Scott in the "rare exception" category, though, is his technical/production skill. Unlike many top performers, Scott is also very accomplished in the technical arena. A MIDI/digital production virtuoso with extensive background as a Roland Keyboards product specialist, he produces and assists in the mixdown of all his material - recorded over a two year period at his own state-of-the-art facility and other L.A. area studios.

Joining Scott and bandmates Matthew Von Doran (guitars), Nathan Brown (bass) and David Owens (drums) on "Boundless" are a host of other top flight studio musicians. Saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, guitarists Paul Jackson Jr. and Russ Freeman, reknowned bassist John Patitucci (as in Chick Corea's Electric Band), percussionist Steve Reid and others all contribute significantly to the CD.

In short, this one gets my vote for "Best New Artist of 1999" in the contemporary jazz category. Check "Boundless" out for yourself...you won't be disappointed!

This music contains all the elements that made me love the ENTIRE cd the very first time I heard it. The rhythms are hot and driving on some cuts, but soulful and sweet on others. It's obvious that each musician plays with a personal passion because it shows through the music. The songs are original and arrangements are brilliant.

Notice that all reviewers are raving about this guy? Notice that there are none of his CDs for sale used? We have all discovered this gem in the confluence of "smooth jazz" and for me it remains my most beloved of the hundreds of jazz CDs I have acquired over the years. No formulaic compositions here, and most notably, live crisp drums replacing the ever so routine and annoying drum machines that permeate smooth jazz radio formats. Funky, mellow, danceable, thought-provoking - a style and melodly to fit every mood - completely. And this guy can play - like the Warren Hill or Earl Klugh of his instrument, in compositions of astounding harmonic and rhythmic layers and variations; music that thankfully reassures the listener in these uncertain times. For the second most played CD in my collection, I wear out his other gem, More Than You Know. I hope you take a chance and bring this sensitive musician into your home and heart.

This is one of those albums you loan to friends who then rush off and buy it. Scott has a melodic attack that energizes most of these tunes yet he can summon up the ghost of Bill Evans for the more lyrical pieces. I recently caught him playing at a small bar (never heard of him before) and loved the animated way he crouched over and hammered amazing riffs and runs from his keyboards. Scott also played previews from his upcoming album that sounded great. On this first album he manages to steer clear of enough of the tired "smooth jazz" cliches to place himself outside of the circle. This is riffy/rocky/ funk/jazz with original breakneck improvising from Scott, Matthew Van Doren (watch that name too) the rhythm section and guests. Wilkie is more fun to watch and listen to than any of his contemporaries - "big" names included - and could have an exceptional career developing if he can continue to move away from the crowd.

It is like new.

i think it is the best choice.

I am so happy to get it!

Funky and hip! I've only had "Boundless" for a short time (recommended to me by a friend), and it is already a favorite CD in my collection. The production is flawless, and some of my favorite musicians are included. I'm looking forward to more recordings from Scott. Great stuff!

This record has a punchy "live" energy to it. Great songs and very cool keyboard playing. Fun to listen to - Love the grooves!

Finally, a "smooth" jazz album with some teeth. The songwriting is strong, the production is pristine and the performances pack-a-punch. After the last song on the CD, I only wanted one thing...MORE! This guy can really play. The melodies stick and the grooves kick. No hype - this record stretches the limits of the genre and pulls from a lot of places. It's inventive but still very accessible. I hope he starts playing concerts soon. I can't wait to see him play these tunes live.

One of the best jazz pianists I've ever heard. Transitions from sweet balads to hard grooving fusion seem effortless. He can do no wrong on this one.

This is a great CD for anyone who loves upbeat music. It's a refreshing change from a lot of the typical music you expect from this genre. I would definitely recommend it to anyone, even if you're not usually a huge jazz follower.