Customer Reviews

Brand New World

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Jimmy Greene is a young saxophonist from Hartford, Connecticutwho studied with Jackie McLean. McLean's influence on Greene is notas much on his sound as it is in Greene's integrity and understanding of what a privilege it is to play this music. On "Brand New World", his second session as a leader (although this is the first CD released under his leadership, he actually led a 1997 date for Criss Cross, "Introducing Jimmy Greene", that was released several weeks after this CD) Greene is joined by a core group of musicians that he has played with often since his arrival on the scene. The disc features Darren Barrett on trumptet, Steve Davis - trombone, Aaron Goldberg piano, Dwayne Burno - bass, Eric McPherson -drums, as well as Greene on tenor and soprano. Because of the musicians familiarity with each other, this is a relatively cohesive disc; as if made by a working band. The disc alternates between quartets and songs featuring the entire personnel. Greene is a fluid improvisor who is obviously searching for his own ideas. Although there is not much new or innovative in the music, it will be appreciated by anyone that enjoys modern mainstream bop based music. A couple of the cuts employ Goldberg on the fender rhodes without sounding comletely dated. Goldberg and Barrett also present themselves favorably, each contributing interesting solos throughout. A good introduction to a young man of whom we should have large expectations for the future.

On his debut RCA Victor recording, Jimmy Greene leads out on tenor and soprano sax, with support from Darren Barrett on trumpet and flugelhorn, Steve Davis on trombone, Aaron Goldberg on piano and Rhodes synthesizer, Dwayne Burno on acoustic and electric bass, Eric McPherson on drums, and Kahlil Bell on percussion. The advance copy I was sent had no songwriting credits listed; I assume that most of the titles were penned by Greene. Most of the music is pretty well straightforward jazz performed with talent and taste. There is nothing here that jumps out as especially noteworthy; what is noteworthy is that there are no weak cuts, no throwaway moments. This is a really solid set from beginning to end. The biggest negative for me was the use of the Rhodes--that sound just brought back too many memories of the `70s, but I must admit that the sound fit the mood of the piece ("Arise!") in which it was used.

The overall sound quality is pretty good for a standard studio job--not really audiophile caliber, but good enough to let you enjoy the music without distraction. Based on his first recording as a leader, Jimmy Greene looks and sounds to be a jazz artist with a future.

This boy has a bright future.I like that fact that he composes his songs oppose of covering a bunch of jazz standards unlike most young cats out here. Even in his Criss Cross debut in 97 he composed half of the tracks on the album. Having mentors like Tom Harrell and Jackie McClean don't hurt. The boy has str8 talent and will definitely be on the jazz scene for a minute. Goldberg from Joshua Redman fame complements him well. This is hell of a buy for the price asked. Heck In paid $... for this CD in 2000. I still listen to it on a regular basis. I love the tracks where Aaron plays Fender Rhodes #3,#8. Renee is a beautiful ballad that showcases Greene vesatility playing Soprano oppose of Tenor. Don't sleep on this brother.

Peace,
Emmanuel