Customer Reviews

Def Trance Beat

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

 

 

This is certainly one of the best jazz records I've heard in the past 10 years. This band just smokes through these rhythmically complex, odd metered songs with an incredible energy while remaining tempered with melody, nuance and soul. They never turn into a soullessly technical machine like so many bands intent on showing off their chops. Coleman is the most innovative and technically awesome saxophone player working in jazz today but he is also one of the best composers. And it goes without saying that he refuses to make the neo-traditinalist records everybody else is churning out.

This is certainly one of the best jazz records I've heard in the past 10 years. This band just smokes through these rhythmically complex, odd metered songs with an incredible energy while remaining tempered with melody, nuance and soul. They never turn into a soullessly technical machine like so many bands intent on showing off their chops. Coleman is the most innovative and technically awesome saxophone player working in jazz today but he is also one of the best composers. And it goes without saying that he refuses to make the neo-traditinalist records everybody else is churning out.

This CD is an excellent introduction to Steve Coleman's musical brew. If you enjoy heavily percussive jazz with fun drumming; then this CD is for you. Gene Lake is outstanding as well as Steve, Reggie and everyone else. I recommend all of Steve's albums especially if you are a drummer, percussionist, or a contemporary progressive Jazz fan. Two Sticks Up!

Steve Coleman has played in a lot of different formations, and this one, while not my personal favorite, is a super-strong batch of cats. They're his funkiest unit by far, and they bring a great flavor to his trademark odd-timed beats and quick swing. Coleman compositions are difficult to play (and not party records), but these guys make them sing and give us a very good jazz record with new ideas.