Customer Reviews

Echo

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was pretty surprised to like this CD not being much of an electronica fan. But upon listening, it is as much a Jazz record as electronica. The "covers" are great, really more reinterpretations of such standards as Girl From Impanema and Night and Day, I was most struck with the pathos of the original songs, notably Sparks From A Wheel and Can't Walk Away.

I really recommend this CD especially if you have been getting into Norah Jones, the Verve Remix CD, Frou Frou, etc.

Wow! What a refreshing new entry to both the jazz and electronica categories. Depending on your mood - it could be for relaxation or for partying/dancing. Very cool, very fresh and highly recommended.

First let's give credit to Bebel Gilberto, the Brazilian singer who gave a trippy twist to some of her father's songs. That seems to be the inspiration for Echo's self-titled album, a collection of classic jazz songs (and a few originals) done to trip-hop tunes.

It sounds like a fairly mundane idea, but pop singer Joy Askew and electronic musician Takuya Nakamura carry it off well. They also have good taste in jazz -- Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, Bob Hillard and others are covered here, although Porter gets the most exposure.

There's a rather annoyingly trippy "The Girl From Ipanema," and a fun blippy "I've Got You Under My Skin." The sultry "Love For Sale" and languorous "That Old Black Magic" are among the highlights, with their softer beats and vaguely retro feel. It may seem like blasphemy to rework them to electronic beats, but they are definitely worth hearing.

Askew and Nakamura also add a few songs of their own: Among them are the exuberant ambient love song "Sparks From A Wheel," which has Askew repeatedly breathing, "I get a kick outta you!", and the swirling, swooning pop splendor of "Surrender." These delightful, makes you yearn for an original album by this duo, and hope that one is in the works.

Joy Askew -- who has one of the best names I've ever heard of -- has a good voice for jazz (even acid jazz). It's slow and sultry, and it gives a grounded sound to the trippy music. She also is co-musician with Nakamura for the music, which ranges from eerie and almost ambient to catchy and poppy, to slow and soft.

Not that it's all cool electronic beats; Askew and Nakamura also lace most of their music with lots of brass, piano, a hint of bass, and some guitar. It gives an original jazz flavor to the songs, and warms them up from the inside out. The result strikes a good balance between jazz and trip-hop.

"Echo" is an intriguing experiment, and one that fans of both jazz and electronica may want to check out. Here's hoping Echo has more in its future.

I can't say enough about this record. I was initially drawn by the cover of the record in a little indie store in my neighborhood. When I realized the artist was Joy Askew, I nearly fell over. I've been a big fan of hers since I heard the song "Little Darling" on a TV show a few years ago. Anyway, this record is so melodic and beautiful, but also very contemporary. It's one of those records that you can play for everyone (Grandma will like the familiarity of the tunes, your 16 year old neighbor will like the hipness of the production) with complete confidence that they'll like it. It's perfect for Sunday morning coffee OR the backdrop at your next big corporate party. Run, don't walk. Buy this record!!!

Originally, I bought the album because I had heard the remix of "I've Got You Under My Skin" on XM Chill. I was curious what the original sounded like, heard it and I agree with the reviews here. If you're into jazz, electronica, or just really good music to relax to after a hard day, this is it!!! Worth every penny!!!

But, enough talking. Enjoy your Echo CD(^_^)!!!

echo are following in the footsteps of bebel gilberto (even their CD cover looks similar to bebel's 'tanto tempo' cover). Whereas bebel did a disc of original material and electronic downtempo covers of her father's (and step-mother's?) classic bossanova songs, echo does a disc of original compositions and electronic dowmtempo covers of classic jazz standards. However, this disc would have benefited greatly if all the tracks were jazz covers. echo needs to mature a bit more as an artist and their original material sounds weak in comparison to the strength of their INCREDIBLE re-interpretations of these classic jazz songs.

'i've got you under my skin' has a lovely deep house feel to it as joy askew's voice echoes through the mix.
'night and day' slowly unfurls until it becomes a multi-layered track with soothing downbeats underneath. Probably one of the coolest versions of this song i've heard since U2's from 'red, hot &blue'.
'the girl from ipanema' is just incredible. straight forward trance grooves and shimmering waves of synthesizers wash over you like the sun and surf of Rio.
echo's take 'love for sale' is so laidback cool at first i thought it was one of their own songs. i love how joy repeats "If you want a girl like that . . ."
Not to say that echo's original material is bad. 'sparks from a wheel' is a gorgeous track and an indication of what they're capable of doing with their own material.

Overall, this is a wonderfully refreshing, light and lovely disc full of wonderful downtempo grooves. I give it three and half stars only because i think it could have been a five star disc if all the tracks were jazz covers.

This album is long lasting and satisfying...and you'll listen over and over again! Electronic and organic with delicious vocals and gorgeous trumpet....and well known tunes turned on their head. But most of all a..well down the road of the new journey that music is taking us with European and Asian flavors.

I'm a big Joy Askew fan from way back. I've seen her perform over a dozen times at various clubs in New York and she is really awesome. Her record "Tender City" is one of my faves. The Echo has an ultra- modern vibe-y -hip sound. You will love to chill out to this music. Big thumbs up!!!

This album is great! I have played it at numerous cocktail parties with great response. For those unfamiliar with Joy Askew, her vocals and songwriting are superb! While this album marks a different sound for her, her pervious solo albums are definitely worth checking out as well, especially "Tender City". I am glad that she is continuing to make great music!