Customer Reviews

Circle of the Sun

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

What a discovery! This CD is probably one of the best of 2003 for its superb songwriting and modern yet eclectic sound. Finally, a CD that integrates a modern production style with some real musical substance and craftsmanship. Don't be confused by the band's name (and acid jazz pedigree): the music is not jazz, but a sort of neo-soul meets nu-jazz sound one could only find in New York. Refreshingly, these singers can REALLY SING, and there is not even one DJ in this group. "Circle of the Sun" is not just a bunch of samples over a drumbeat - it lies somewhere in between Maxwell-style neo-soul and a Morcheeba type of downtempo dance, and will surely satisfy both audiences, and maybe even create some new Jazzhole fans.

There is a new sophistication to the band's sound on this album, and world music influences predominate: An African vocalist named Kaïssa Doumbè steals the show on three tracks, plus there is a mesmerizing (and unlikely) Tabla rendition of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy The Silence", while a Bossa Nova-ish tempo sets the pace. Fans of Nitin Sawhney, Youssou N'Dour , Bebel Gilberto, and maybe even Sade might want to check this out.

This CD is a beautiful hybrid of modern sounds and styles that you could play at any time of day or night. Just relax and soak in the vibe.

New York City's Jazzhole offers up their fourth full-length album of sophisticated neo-soul and nu-jazz, continuing the exploration of down-tempo, late-night sounds picked up on 2000's "Blackburst." The laid-back beats exude a surprising amount of energy ("quiet is the new loud," as they say), and guest tabla player Naren Budhakar adds exquisite deep texture and non-Western rhythms.

While there are many contemporary touchstones for Jazzhole's music (e.g., Brand New Heavies, Sade), it also harkens back to both soul, funk and R&B sounds of the 70s (e.g., Al Green, Tower of Power, and Earth, Wind & Fire) as well as easy listening instrumentalists of the 50s (e.g., Arthur Lyman's proto-worldbeat jazz, the otherworldly work of Esquivel, etc.). The band's modern production renews the vintage sounds with an atmospheric mix of jazz changes, slow, sensual R&B melodies and South American rhythms (the latter, courtesy of percussionist Daniel Sadowinick).

The band's three principles (and the album's producers) Marlon Saunders, John Pondel and Warren Rosenstein have crafted a terrifically subtle blend of instruments and vocals, often shading a composition with nearly ambient touches of violin or organ. The arrangements are complex, yet the mix provides tremendous musical and temporal space for interplay of the instruments and voices.

Saunders provides vocals on four tracks, singing with a soulfulness that stands in relief to the carefully manicured (yet still subtly swinging) instrumental backings. Pondel plays the part of classic jazz guitar accompanist on several tracks, but also breaks out with blues runs for "A Love Thing," and Isley Brothers-styled liquid texture for "Love Philosophy."

In addition to ten originals, the album offers two reinvented covers. Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" is warmed with lush, highly resonant backing (including superb tabla runs), and a vocal from Michelle Lewis that brings to mind the sensuality of Astrud Gilberto. Even further afield, Kaïssa Doumbè offers up Leon Russell's "Superstar," reworded in her native Duala, and slowed to a crawl that stretches the melody into something nearly incomparable to the Carpenters' hit single. The essence of the songs remain, but they are completely transformed by their re-arrangements.

Although the quiet tone and slower tempos are appealing as background music, there's a great deal more to this work than its exceptional ambience. The subtle, evolving combinations of instruments, and the light, yet persistent, beats cut surprisingly deep grooves, and the tasteful progressions serve up melodies that linger, almost as if suspended in space. This is a fine disc for background listening, but stands equally well up-front, where you can enjoy the nuances of the playing, singing and production.

Jazzhole's Circle Of The Sun is a relaxing batch of smooth jazz tunes. The sound is a little bit similar to Sade except the percussion beats are more dynamic.

What really sets this CD apart from other recordings of this genre is the natural blending between the instruments and the vocals. One can hear the bass and percussion just fine when the guitarist, keyboardists, or horn section solos. No overmodulation at all and a minimum of programming effects. And the soulful vocals both male and female just see a soothing mood.

The songs are pretty similar in style and most of them are fairly catchy. Love Philosophy, Ndolo, Enjoy The Silence, Three Days, and A Little Dress For Mary have melodies that stand out on the CD. However, the atmospherics certainly elevate the other tracks to a make the disc a pleasant listen on a lazy afternoon.

I certainly hope more natural sounding music like Jazzhole's Circle of the Sun gets noticed in the ever changing landscape of contemporary music. I hope to have the opportunity to listen to more of this fine band's catalogue.

Another quick comment before I go. Why in the world is this CD classified under R & B and Dance and DJ while it fails to make the grade in Jazz? There are absolutely no Dance elements to be found on this CD and at least to my ears the jazz tones overshadow the Rhythm and Blues. Amazon readers should aoid the bad misclassification of this CD as this is clearly light smooth Jazz with a touch of R & B.

Eclectic selection of tunes ranging from Acid Jazz, Nu Soul and bits of Bossa Nova. Sometimes a song will remind you of Sade, another piece becomes Thievery Corporation without the-latest-electronica-chill-out gimmick. Paradoxically, my favourite track is a cover of 'Enjoy The Silence' (yes, Depeche Mode!) which happens to be sexy and inspired.
All in all it is a great soundtrack for love and conversation, not the latest sounds around but never dissapointing.

Now, this is no exaggeration: no matter what album I look at on this site, I look at "Our Customers' Advice", and under it, at least 3 people recommend Circle Of The Sun in addition to, or instead of, it. And after a while I asked, "What IS that?" To find that out I picked up the album, and I'm sure glad I did.

Although the group is called Jazzhole, the music on here isn't strictly jazz. It's more like jazz sprinkled with neo-soul. And there are plenty of good examples of that on here, like "A Little Dress For Mary", "Love Philosophy", and "Who Do You Love".

The group also does well with remakes. I know some people may be tired of hearing covers of The Carpenters' "Superstar" (no, Luther fans, he did NOT make that song first), but this version is really good. And I'm not exactly sure why they chose to remake Depeche Mode's "Enjoy The Silence", but they do a good job on that too.

There really isn't anything wrong with this album, although some people may wonder why they would need guest vocals on "Three Days" when there are already 12 people in the band. Oh well, do what everyone advised you to do and pick this album up.

Anthony Rupert

Not since Air's Moon Safari or Portishead's Dummy have I been able to say unequivocally of an album that I truly love every single track on it. Jazzhole's vocals are distinctly different from Air or Portishead - far less ethereal and instead more in the vein of the well-grounded, world-weary vocals of Everything But the Girl, Skye Edwards in Morcheeba's "Aqualung" or the Sade of yore, but all the tracks are a treat!

One could remember Jazzhole as the acid-jazz-meets-R&B group from their previous albums (notably Blackburst) but their music never really reached out to grab you with anything different or interesting. The first three albums also skimped on actual songs and were primarily instrumental experiments. Well, that's history because on COTS they've slightly toned down their hip-hop and acid jazz shadings in favor of light boss nova rhythms and soulful R&B deliveries...a bit of avant-garde chill-out sounds if you will. And they now have lyrics, words, vocals. From songs like "Superstar" (which sports a sensual vocal delivery in native duala for intoxicating results) or Naren Budhakar's tabla along with Doumbe's mellow vocals which turn Depeche Mode's "Enjoy The Silence" into a sexy, late night urban mating call -- you get a glimpse of how this group has evolved considerably in the last decade.

Whether you're a fan or not of Air or Morcheeba or Sade, there's plenty here for you to enjoy.

One of the perks of Internet access is the chance to be introduced to music that, under normal situations, might remain unknown. If not for the Internet, I, for one, would be totally ignorant of Jazzhole.

And that, alone, would be a shame. But, thank God for Amazon[.com] and the wonders that it provides. Now, Jazzhole's "Circle of One" is really getting some serious playing time in my audio system.
It's no wonder because this is one of the best jazz releases in my collection, deftly mixing the old and the new. Clocking in at a tight 52:47 "Circle" does flow the full 360 degrees.

Passionate lead vocals from band members Marlon Saunders, Lucia Iman, Kaissa Doumbe, and Michelle Lewis when combined with the musical wizardry of the remaining twelve instruments make for some really remarkable music.

The album kicks off with the sultry "Love Philosophy" featuring one mean violin solo accompaniment by Mazz-Mlani. This leads into the Sade-sounding "Three Days", a haunting work that is just one standout on a disc of jewels. The Latin-influenced "Um Ritmo No Meu Sono" makes one pine for the coolness of a Caribbean breeze coupled with moonlit fire. "Who Do You Love" is the perfect marriage of jazz and R & B as lead Marlon Saunders skillfully takes the listener on a journey of which he only knows the destination.

"Winter's Melting" is just the right "temperature", an instrumental the exudes enough "heat" to warm even the coldest heart. But, "A Love Thing" turns it back up as the group's sexiest offering.

And the final cut is truly the icing on the cake: "Superstar", a song that, hopefully, will forecast the group's future in the business.

They are most deserving of a wider exposure and appreciation. If, in any way, I have helped in that achievement, then my work is done.

"Circle of the Sun" certainly defies lazy categorization. Call it nu jazz or call it nu soul, this is an album that admirably succeeds in what it intends to do: create well-crafted tunes without studio gimmickry or crass overproduction. The result is a CD that's as genuine (and tasty) as a home-cooked meal. For me, the album's high point is a near-unrecognizable cover of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence." Stripping the original of its synth heavy production, Jazzhole breathe new life into this song with spicy percussion and warm vocals from Michelle Lewis. The other tracks are mellow excursions that entice, soothe, and relax. "Three Days" stands out due to a memorable bassline and well-harmonized vocals, and "A Little Dress for Mary" features nice acoustic guitars and Marlon Sanders on vocals. The instrumentation and production from track to track stand out pretty well, and the range of moods and textures gives "Circle of the Sun" a welcome diversity. Jazzhole's new album may not change the world of music as we know it, but it's a noteworthy effort that will reward those who will give it a try.

Where do I start with my review of the various delicious songs on this album?

"What Kind of Love?" is haunting and melodious. I have to admit to being a fan of Marlon Saunders wonderful voice after hearing him for the first time on "Circle of the Sun." He's a great solo artist but he's just as good doing a duet. "You're my baby" has a quality all of its own, you can imagine Saunders and Russ talking to each other only they are doing it in song instead. Wonderful! "Dancing In My Head" is more upbeat with a sassy rhythm and great lyrics, once again sung by Saunders. However one must save the best for last and "Black Heaven" is for me what Jazzhole's "Blackburst" is about.. Michella Deville sings like an Angel in sequins. You can hear the shimmering tones of her voice accompanied by the gentle beat of drums in the background.

I am aware that this sort of music is not to everyone's taste but for me it is pure musical elegance in a cardboard wrapping. Simply sumptuous.

This is one of the most languid, easy to listen to CDs that I have ever played on my sound system. It is an absolute feast for your ears. I have gotten so used to hearing rap, rock and pop I had almost forgotten what REAL music sounds like. Quite simply this is REAL music and worth listening too. It is mellow, haunting, relaxing and most importantly enjoyable. I especially liked the mix of saxophone with tabla, now why isn't something like this done more often????? All in all this is a fabulous album stuffed full of delicious musical goodies. It reminds me of the childhood bag of candy that my Aunt used to bring home each Friday for me and my siblings. We never knew what was in that bag until we opened it and always there was a wonderful surprise. "Circle of the Sun" for me IS that bag of Friday candy all over again but without the calories!

"Love Philosophy" manages to blend together a variety of musical instruments that makes you shiver at the sheer gluttony of the experience. Marlon Saunders voice is certainly like "honey for the bees," and this is one of my favorite songs along with "Ndolo" which has a wonderful tempo and a wonderful singer in the guise of Kaissa Doumbe. "A Little Dress for Mary" is another firm favorite in this candy bag of audible treats, there is something intriguingly old fashioned about this particular song that has me murmuring along even though I can't sing for tuppence! "Horn Interlude" could have been a bad experience, I wasn't sure what to expect especially as I had gotten used to a rich vocal selection throughout the album but I found I liked it and wished it was longer but hey you can't have everything can you!

In a nutshell this is WELL worth coughing up the dough for if you get the chance. Quite simply an audible feast for the discerning, intelligent music lovers who I know are out there somewhere...

One of the most overlooked forms of music, Soul, has almost disappeared from today's market. In the space of this CD, it has returned; not with the mass-market mixes of the '70s, but rather in tender guitar work, incredibly genuine vocals, and superb production.

"Love Philosophy" starts off the CD, and no better choice could there be. The entire song reminds one of Pendergrass or Green, but with the original rhythms, chord progressions, everything is new -- and spectacular.

Any band that could cover Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence", and succeed deserves more than just a listen. The female vocal also gives the song new meaning. "Superstar" is quite enjoyable, just listening to those guitars, and great production.

There are many terrific songs here, and ALL would be perfect for a romantic evening. There are so few albums today that offer that kind of listening, but here it is. We can leave 101 Strings, Jackie Gleason and Ray Coniff to the oldsters, we have Jazzhole!!

From start to finish, prepare to be enthralled by some of the most delightful soul music, along with world thrown in for good measure, you've ever heard.