Customer Reviews

Endangered Species

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

 

 

I would have to disagree with the previous review in the sense that I wouldn't call this jam band music at all. Instead, it seems to me to fall into the jazz fusion arena a'la Jeff Beck "Wired" and "Blow By Blow," with a southern flavor that reflects the previous bands these players have been in. There are many Little Feat moments that arise from the rhythm section, but remember that Little Feat were very tight ensemble players. There are also quite a few Dixie Dregs moments in here, too--at times making you think that Steve Morse has snuck up and grabbed the guitar.

This is highly-arranged music, but doesn't come off overly structured because truly great musicians can always find ways to mix in soloing to sound spontaneous yet tight. If you love great playing, stop-on-a-dime instrumental arrangements, and a hint of southern greasiness, you'll love this record.

What do you get when you mix the key players in Jazz is Dead with the fantastic funky rythym section from the legendary Little Feat?....Jimmy Herring (guitarist extraordinaire), T Lavitz (keyboards) and Richie Hayward (one of the best drummers on the planet), Kenny Gradney (the swamp funk bass player behind Little Feat) playing a great set of instrumental jams.

This album, for the uninitiated, may take a few listens to get into but each listen finds new gems in every song from all involved and makes it one of those albums which grow on you. Actually this to me is what makes an album great...the ability to find something new in each song that you did not quite catch on the previous listenings.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Even if you are not into the jamband scene
you will enjoy this album as Richie and Kenny keep the songs rooted in rock, jazz, funk, and the blues while Jimmy and T. work their magic and make all these influences meld together to make a sonic whole that is truly pleasing to the ear.

Very good album. Being more likely a guitar listener I must say
that I rarely find a player excites me as Mr. Herring with his
talented playing . But the album apart from the guitar thing is
indeed a very good album and there is no bad song in this work.

If you really like good music, no matter if Jazz, if Rock or a fusion between Jazz and Rock, this is a great album for you, buy it, buy it, buy it!!!!

Sorry, this is not a HERRING CD and all the musos on this CD are awesome. It is just that HERRING is so outstanding that everything by this master is a must have. No exception here, great fusion, brilliant compositions, brilliant playing by all concerned and a hefty dose of originality. Not as heavy or bluesy as PROJECT Z, but just as stimulating and entertaining.
If you like the guitar or JAZZ / FUSION, you cannot afford to be without this CD.

The music on this album conjures up words like daredevil, danger, and intrigue. The music is definitely charted, but the vibe is that it was recorded in one session direct to disk (or tape). In other words, these guys jam. The first track, Headstrong, as you can hear from the sample, is a stomp alright, and cinematic too. That little ascending sequence that rounds up the refrain is like dinosaurs on the rampage. Watch out! The only weak track is Camel Lope, which never goes anywhere. Those camels need a good kick in the bum! Overall, T is good with patterns, and Jimmy Herring makes those patterns sing. Yeah baby.