Customer Reviews

First Date

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

 

 

Jazz flute doesn't always get the respect it deserves as a solo instrument. Maybe that's because it's so often heard as a sax player's "double" rather than as the main instrument. This 2003 album's collaboration of Frank Wess, Holly Hofmann, and Ali Ryerson turns the spotlight on the flute as both a solo and ensemble instrument. All three play C flute, Wess does some bass flute, and Ryerson doubles on alto flute. This combination of talent, great arrangements, and three different flavors of flute in front of a very good rhythm section makes for a surprising display of variety on these nine tracks. After you finish listening, you'll be wondering why this type of ensemble isn't heard more often.
If you don't think a flute trio can be lively enough for your jazz tastes, check out "Be-Bop" (yes, the Charlie Parker tune), "Sumpn' Went Wrong," "This I Dig of You," "Equal Parts," and "Flutology." But if you want something mellow and gorgeous, you can't ask for anything better than "Ceora," "Pretty Is," and "A Child Is Born" (recorded in one take as an ad-lib interplay between Hofmann and Ryerson).
This album is truly different and thoroughly enjoyable. It makes me want to practice my flute more.

If you like lounge relaxing music , then this is the cd to buy. I have no idea what made them put that cover, but the cd has some very good tracks to listen. Perfect for a quiet party or smooth drive.

In fairness to the artists performing on this cd, I'll start this brief review in agreement with reviewer #1 - the music on this cd is fantastic! There isn't a bad track to be found anywhere on it, and flute (and vibes) have always been my favorite jazz instruments.

Why only 1 star then? I can't tell you how disappointed I was when I popped this disc into my SACD player and got audio through my front left & right speakers and sub channel only. The SACD section of the disc plays in 2.1 stereo! Where was that amazing, enveloping 5.1 discreet channel surround output we SACD-heads have come to expect (and love) from our SACDs? Heck, I stumbled across the disc here at Amazon in the first place by searching for "Jazz SACD", but this disc sounds much better when playing the normal cd section of the disc, excellent flute jazz piping (as it were) through my front L&R, center, surround L&R speakers and subwoofer! What the...? Why did they bother to hybridize this disc in the first place? The super audio section is anything but super! HARRUMPH!

Bottom line: buy it for the music, not for the SACD. Do buy it though, the music really is awesome! There. I feel better now.