Customer Reviews

Ebop

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

 

 

We all know Loeb is a prolific, skilled guitar player, who consistenly drops a new cd every year and has been successful because they basically all sound the same. Ebop throws out the old formula and the result is innovative, fresh, urban contemporary and continues 2003's turnaround year for jazz releases. We warm up with the title track Ebop, Loeb cuts loose with an assist from icon Randy Brecker (who just about invented the smooth jazz genre). Obviously this track is like an opening number at a concert preparing the listener for what's to come and you're hoping the rest of the CD is like this. Well-it is BETTER. If you listen closly BRAINSTORM opens like Alexander O'Neal's "Love Makes No Sense" then breaks down into a slow funky groove that not only forces you to listen-but to understand-the man can play. Now Loeb calls in Jeff Kashiwa for BACK TO THE BISTRO which is a straight up JAM and reminicent of an old Brecker Bros arrangement (yes Will Lee is on the cd also)-believe it or not this is not the best track on Ebop. FOOLPROOF-well you're gonna have to find out yourself about this one and your speakers will thank you because because it will be the first workout that they've had in ages-hang in with this jam Kashiwa will walk into the crib like Maceo and you will jump out your seat, guaranteed. The other tracks on Ebop keep the groove alive and makes this a cd you do not want to sleep on...

Chuck Loeb's "eBop" is, as the title suggests, an electronic take on the neo-bop sound that has typified Loeb's music over his last several solo releases. Neither a standout or a disappointment, the album succeeds at many levels while failing at others.

For example, when taken as a single entitiy, "eBop" succeeds. Each track from the groovin' title track to to the stylish "Bring It" (dig the Chic-like guitar-bass interplay) to the neo-vintage "Parallax" provides the perfect set-up for the next track. Loeb's love of Wes Montgomery and Larry Carlton has gelled into a guitar style that is distinctly his, with elements of his muses. There is brilliance in his tone and dexterity.

Taken individually, however, the tracks on "eBop" seem a little warmed over and repetitive. Even with great guests like Randy Brecker and Will Lee, things seem a little stilted.

The problem certainly isn't individual or group talent, nor is it the prominent electronics that comprise the "e" of "eBop" as some revewers have suggested. The problem with the album is that it's too singular.

Loeb writes, plays, co-produces and generally dominates each track, a similarity (and problem) he shares with Prince, Jeff Lorber and underground R&B legend Gary Taylor. Bringing in an outside producer could have livened things up considerably, as well as adding a little more texture to the electronic arrangements.

As one reviewer has already suggested, this album will be decent fodder for the sound systems of department stores and casual dining chains all over North America, but is unlikely to stir strong reactions.

If you're an ardent Chuck Loeb fan, stick with him and buy this album. If you're a casual fan, get Loeb's album "All There Is" instead. It's a lot livelier and less repetitive.

Let's be honest here; I'm a Chuck Loeb Fan. I have been for years, and I have ALL of his solo recordings. With that in mind, let me just say that this guy is REALLY good and his music is TOTALLY captivating. He's been around for a while now and his music just gets better and better as he matures as an artist. Ebop is a NATURAL progression for him. On this project, he delves into P.C. based sequencing for the entire album instead of just a few songs, something he's never really done in the past, laying down some of his best work on the guitar over constant, driving rythyms. Sure; the "E" in Ebop stands for "Electronic", but the music does not suffer because of it; Chuck's voice comes through LOUD and clear. This experiment with Electronica is his way of keeping his music fresh and offering listeners something new, and let me tell you, it's EXCELLENT.

Now some may not like the "Drum Machine Rythyms" on a few of Ebops cuts, but focussing on the accompaniment really detracts from one of the purest virtuoso performances by a jazz guitarist of the Wes Montgomery School of technique currently on record. This guy is PHENOMENAL!! His composition and phrasing are vintage Chuck Loeb, which in itself is a good thing, but he has really kicked it up a notch with his performances on this CD. You'll have to HEAR his 8 bar 1/16 note solo to understand what I mean. This guy is a creative master, and technically as good as any other guitarist alive. Yes; he's one of the best, and his performances on this CD are spectacular. A true "musicians musician".

Ebop is part of Chucks evolution as jazz artist and to me represents a major expression of his love for the form. You REALLY can't go wrong with this CD if you love Jazz Guitar (Capital J, Capital G) played well. I HIGHLY recommend it. ESPECIALLY if you are a Chuck Loeb fan. If not, then after listening to this CD, you will be.

Chuck lets loose with some excellent licks on Ebop and the horns are a nice touch, but the drum loops and electronic gadgetry are annoying. The compositions are pleasant and there are no sappy vocals, but there is nothing really exciting or memorable here. The real attraction, as always, is Chuck's beautiful tone and brilliant dexterity.

If you're a fan of Chuck Loeb, you'll love this CD. The entire CD is typical of Chuck's signature style - a beat that always keep you moving. My 2 fav tracks are "eBop" and "Bring It."

I really love this CD. Great beat and cool sounds. I don't usually listen to guitar, but this one is a keeper!

If you like the title song, you'll love the album. Most CD's have one or two good tunes and the balance are so so. This album will grow on you and you'll find over time that every song on the CD moves you.

Chuck Loeb is just "one of those guys..."
You know he's going to just keep getting better because he allows himself (and his music) to be influenced by his experiences. No two efforts are going to be alike, and that's a sign of legendary greatness.
Besides, any CD with a song titled "Brainstorm" is okay with a guy who calls himself "Don the Idea Guy!"

If you like drum machines or don't mind them when they are front & center in the mix, you might like this CD. I ended up buying Bob James' CD "Morning, Noon & Night" so I could hear Loeb play in a more "natural" environment. Flesh-and-blood drummer (and former Zappa sideman) Vinnie Colaiuta plays on that one, and what a difference. Loeb appears on 5 tracks and it's a winner. I gave "Ebop" to a friend after playing it once.

This "music" is horrible. Completely devoid of all emotion and soul, it sounds like something played on the overhead speakers in a department store. I can't fathom how anyone could possibly classify sounds of this ilk as jazz, smooth or otherwise. I suppose if you are the type of person who rides elevators because you dig the groovin' tunes, this could be something you would enjoy. Otherwise, run away! Run away!