Brian Blade Fellowship

Brian Blade | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 19, 1998)
• Original Release Date: May 19, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B000006Q64
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #207,274 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

1998

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful and Deep, July 23, 2003

By 

Kenneth James Michael MacLean (Ann Arbor, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Brian Blade Fellowship (Audio CD)

Brian Blade has put together a recording that communicates at a spiritual level.
For me, the highlight of the recording is Dave Easley's pedal steel guitar solo on 'Mohave'. It's astonishing, and one of the best solos I've ever heard. His passionate guitar is literally crying for joy.
John Cowherd's piano is thoughtful, melodic, and swinging when necessary.
Although there are many textures in this music, it all fits together beautifully. And the musicians all seem to be on the same page. It's one of those sessions that you can listen to a hundred times, and find something new every time. In other words, this is music that won't get stale!
Brian Blade's playing is sensitive, complex, and fiery, as are the compositions. Blade is one of the very best drummers to come along in quite a while.
This is music that hit me on a very deep level. It took 3 or 4 listenings before I could even understand it, but it was worth it. It's music that spoke to some very deep feelings within me, and every time I listen to it, I feel inspired.
This CD is beautiful, complex, and very interesting.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Straight Ahead Albums in Years!, February 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Brian Blade Fellowship (Audio CD)

Now that the "young lion" movement is fizzling out, the real composers / players are emerging from the rubble. For anyone who's tired of the endless tribute albums and uninspired albums of standards, this album is a breath of fresh air for the jazz world. Mr. Blade has already proven himself as a drummer (he swings so hard, it hurts), but this album showcases his exceptional composing skills as well. The interaction between the players is beautiful. It's clearly evident that these guys were inspired by this session. Anyone who appreciates geniunely good music with integrity and heart & soul should add this to his / her collection immediately!!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous ensemble with strong compositions and soloing, July 6, 1998

By 

David Binder "David Binder" (Ottawa, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Brian Blade Fellowship (Audio CD)

I bought Brian Blade's album on the strength of his work with Joshua Redman and Kenny Garrett, but was surprised to find that, not only was he a great player, but his writing is extrememly strong, he has a wonderful ensemble (tenor/soprano sax, alto sax, upright bass, Grand Piano/Wurlitzer, electric guitar and pedal (yes, pedal!) steel guitar.

The album is nothin short of wonderful. The playing is sublime and, considering the size of the ensemble, nobody gets in anyone's way.

I just saw the group at the Montreal Jazz Fest and it was identical to the album, with the exception of the guitarist, who was replaced by Kurt Rosenwinkle (who I actually preferred). They took the material to even further heights. This is a band that came together quickly, but has an obvious chemistry. I saw them twice at the fest - once in a sort of Quebec version of MTV unplugged in front of a studio audience of about 75 people, and then in a theatre, packed to the rafters. The group played for two solid hours and, having spent 5 days at the festival, was a highlight (the only other show that was close was John Scofield's A Go Go performance).

Brian Blade is being considered the drummer of the new millenium. He reminds me, in some ways, of the late Tony Williams, not so much in the what he plays, but in his complete abandon and open-minded approach. Buy the album, see the band, and watch out for this guy - he's going to be one of the great leaders of the next 50 years (he's only 27!), considering his musical maturity at so young an age.

There is not a weak track on the album. One last thing that amazed me, both live and on record - with an ensemble that large, there was never a clash - everyone had their place and the sound, while lush and warm, was never cluttered.

Finally, Brian and his mates are very spiritual people, and it comes out in their music. Brian, when speaking, is exceedingly humble, and perhaps a bit overwhelmed by the reception he has received, but there is no lack of confidence when he ge! ts behind a kit!

Oh yes - the album is produced by Daniel Lanois, yet for once it does not have that recognizable signature Lanois sound (not that I mind it, but it is nice to see him abandoning it when appropriate). A must have album , and surely one of the best of 1998!