Customer Reviews

Distant Dreams

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

 

 

I have been on a 'retro' jag musically for some time. Recently, I found an old cassette (yep, a cassette!) to play in my new car that had some obsure tracks form Jeff Tyzik's "Smile" album, which got me all Tyziked over again. So, I found Distant Dreams" and while not as synthesized as "Jammin In Manhattan" or "Smile" I like "Distant Dreams" the best. Jeff has written some very nice arangements here, included a variety of rhythms and moods. He gets great support from his backing musicians, especially on drums & keyboards, which augment but never overpower the leader. There's some nice tasty tenor sax (don't know who), always just behind Tyzik. Jeff's is no Chuck Mangione, he's much more a power player with a hint of Freddie Hubbard when Freddie had his chops. I was impressed with Tyzik's melodic yet strong writing style. All the tracks are very mellow, but I would not categorize this as "vator muzak" by a lon shot. Soe real depth went into the composition and structure of these songs and certsain tracks have beautiful strings mixed in. For me, the standout jam is "Blues From Beyond", a 9 minute Milesish vamp with walking electric bass, Mike Stern/John McLaughlin guitar licks and ambient Chick/Herbie keys in just the right spots. This jam is a strut for the devil and I'd use it in a NY minute to open a contemporary film mystery. It's that slick. Great production, mix is superb, does not sound dated (epecially considering recorded in 1990), this is excellent music that gets better the more you listen. If you like a Trumpeter with verve and total command of his instrument, with a twist of, say Tom Browne, check this CD out, great for a Sunday cruise up the Coast.

ENJOYED LISTENING TO THIS CD WITH MY TWO CHILDREN. THEY SEEM TO ENJOY IT TOO.

enjoyed listening to this cd with my children. who seemd to really enjoy it

Jeff Tyzik has a smooth and very pleasing style. I enjoyed the album very much.