Fields & Strings

Brandon Fields | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 23, 1999)
• Original Release Date: November 23, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Paras Recording
• ASIN: B00001SI9O
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #247,548 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From Jazziz

Considering the strong popular appeal strings have added to jazz through the years, you'd think the format would attract its share of contemporary-jazz saxophonists. Saxophonist David Sanborn's Pearls (Elektra) was produced by Tommy LiPuma, who shared arranging duties with Johnny Mandel, and it wound up being one of Sanborn's more popular projects of the last few years. Even so, few of Sanborn's peers have ventured into these waters. And powerful string-laden albums from contemporary-jazz instrumentalists such as Tom Scott and Sadao Watanabe have been largely overlooked. Not the least bit deterred, under-recognized saxophonist Brandon Fields has just recorded a collection of standards with his wife's string orchestra (Gina Kronstadt Strings), conducted and arranged by Jorge Calandrelli, called Fields & Strings. Fields' playing has a distinctive bite, which has made him a favorite among discerning contempo fans and somewhat of an enigma at smooth-jazz radio. Surrounded by strings on "Little Sunflower" - and joined by pianist Alan Pasqua, bassist Dave Carpenter, and drummer Peter Erskine - Fields' improvisational skills are spotlighted in a way that transcends genre.

--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely jazz, May 17, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fields & Strings (Audio CD)

The opening cut, Freddy Hubbard's "Little Sunflower," is absolutely gorgeous. A classic. After that, there is a sameness about the pieces, Fields being accompanied by a skilled string section led by his wife, Gina Kronstadt. Cuts include "Lover Man," "Old Devil Moon," and "Misty," the latter taken at an unusually rapid tempo.

Fields is an excellent musician, and shouldn't be lumped together with Kenny G and others trying to cash in on jazz musak. This is a genuinely lovely album, great to drink scotch by on a wintery evening.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This IS Your Daddy's Brandon Fields, April 17, 2007

By 

Donald Christensen (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fields & Strings (Audio CD)

Brandon Fields has crossed over into every Jazz sub-genre possible.

Starting with his thunderous backing of Tower of Power to nearly becoming the definitive voice of the Rippingtons to contributing heavlily to the Dave Weckl Band in recent years, Fields usually saves his best work for his solo albums.

Brandon Fields treats the traditional pieces from a more elegant era in lyrical style. This CD of well chosen standards promises what it delivers.

Fields and Strings features some very creative rhythmic twists. The rhythm trio of pianist Alan Pasqua, bassist Dave Carpenter, and drummer Peter Erskine would serve to legitimate these arragements on their own.

You add to that the enhancement of the lush, velvet strings by Gina Kronstadt and you are capturing a side of Brandon Fields that few listeners have known.

In the tradition of Charlie Parker and David Sanborn (both of whom defined this concept), Fields and Strings will stand as one of the best sax and strings recordings to date.

5.0 out of 5 stars Brandon Fields CD, August 31, 2009

By 

Ross T. Fortunato - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fields & Strings (Audio CD)

One of my favorite Cd's. If you like smooth jazz this is a great album.