Free

Alex Bugnon | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 4, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Narada
• ASIN: B000AV2G56
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #160,286 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

On Free, Alex Bugnon continues in the direction taken on 2003’s Southern Living, working in Atlanta with producer and fellow-keyboardist Phil Davis. Together they’re emphasizing a lighter, spacious, more natural sound. They’ve continued to reduce the heavy synthesizer tracks, spotlighting Bugnon’s acoustic piano and Fender Rhodes with strong melodies, light funk grooves and bright percussive detail. The band is made up of crack session players, including strong contributions from soprano saxophonist Vincent Henry, who coils in and out of the title track, and bassist Victor Bailey. Davis’s production values come to the fore here, adding rhythmic insinuation with exotic world-beat detail on tracks like "Sierra Leone." As usual, Bugnon’s piano sound has a special resonance. Whether it’s the percolating "Fingertips," the sultry "Pillow Talk" or the deep soul groove of "Downtime," Bugnon creates some soulful, floating moods here, reaching a career high in the process. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Strong Contender for a Grammy!, October 19, 2005

By 

GPPassion "GPPassion" (The Great Ohio Valley) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Free (Audio CD)

If you're an Alex Bugnon fan you will love this CD. If you are a fan of smooth jazz you must have this CD. This CD is a part 2 of Southern Living. It's stronger more focused and full of what I call "Monster" musicians, freaks of nature. Vincent Henry, I don't know why he does not have 7 or 8 CD's out by now. He plays flute, sax and harmonica on this CD's. Darrell Freeman on Bass, everybody will know his name soon. Victor Bailey on Bass, everybody knows his name. Lil'John on Drums, the list goes on and on. This CD is fresh, funky, hip, sophicated, open. The grooves are SO DEEP, it's make me wonder why the CD doesn't skip.

I'm hooked on "Sierra Leone". Period. I'm learning to play that song. My band is going to use that song to open our set. "In Your Eyes" and "Out There" will play in your head for hours.

Congratulation Alex, you've done it again. Hope to see you soon. One of your friends from Dayton...

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeexcellent!!!!!!, October 27, 2005

By 

Raider Jack "Jackie D Gray-Romeyn" (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Free (Audio CD)

I have followed this luscious French pianist since his debut in the early 90s. It is obvious that Alex was heavily influenced by African-American music and he has always accorded it the highest respect by beautiful readings of R&B standards.

On this last outing, quite frankly, this is probably his best to date. It is a smooth, concise, and exceedingly enjoyable listening experience. Even the A&R department took a little time to make sure the transition between cuts is smooth and makes sense.

There are absolutely NO duds/fillers on this project. Alex has submitted an earthy, soulful project showcasing again his keyboard mastery. There are no gimmicky experiments - this is simply quality music - for grown folks.

If you are a follower of Alex Bugnon, this is nothing more than a promise fulfilled. If you are new to his music, you should thoroughly appreciate his musicianship.

And on top of everything else, he looks just YUMMY!

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the Best!, October 15, 2005

By 

Lenora Spencer (Bowie, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Free (Audio CD)

This is a great CD. I have been a fan of Alex since I was introduced to his music by a co-worker in the late 80's. Since then I have purchased all his CD's and have seen him numerous times in concert. I look forward to his upcoming tour stop at Blues Alley in Washington, DC.

Buy this CD!