Customer Reviews

Goin All Out

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The young and very talented saxman's "Just Getting Started" ( Narada Jazz) has received tremendous reviews across the board and made numerous critics "Best of 2006" year end lists.
For the new recording, his first one for Blue Note, Eric is helped by a bunch of excellent musicians.
Along with multi-instrumentalist Darren Rahn, trumpeter Jason Rahn, bassist Mel Brown, guitarists Norman Brown (only on the track "Just for The Moment") and Frank Selman, Darius plays his alto and tenor horns with an unrestrained passion.
Together they make refined, mood music that spins free-wheeling imagination.
The first track "Just Like That" is an upbeat jam to get the party started.
To appeal to all generations Eric has incorporated some of our R&B hits of today like the track "Because of You" by Ne-Yo. The title track "Goin' All Out" is off the hook, guaranteed to get your head bobbin'.
The title track "Goin' All Out" is off the hook, guaranteed to get your head bobbin'.
You may be impressed to hear each song flowing into the other seamlessly.
The real problem of the album is that here everything is programmed and the lack of live drums.
The material ranges from funky grooves to midtempo pieces and more languorous fare but what immediately impresses is the sureness and controlled power of this very good saxman, who has created a new, distinctive sound that transcends all music boundaries and music styles.
"I didn't want to make a typical "smooth jazz" album. I wanted to create an album that would have more of a universal appeal. In my opinion, says Eric. "This album reflects me and my perspective on music and the way that I hear music. Being that I am coming from a younger generation, you can clearly hear some of those elements of Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop on this album. "Goin' All Out" is a statement of where I'm coming from and who I am".
This is a delightful album and a great achievement for Eric.
My highlights : "Goin' All Out", "Vibe With Me" and "Just For The Moment", featuring Norman Brown.
Night on the Town
Just Getting Started

This is the first cd that I have bought from Eric Darius. It is a very awsome cd I encourage you to get it.The music is vibrant, upbeat, and funky.If you are a real smoth jazz listner this is a must for you. Enjoy!!!!!
Darlene

Eric is definitely my favorite artist of all time! Even tho' I'm not that old (25 to be exact)...I can appreciate someone else, my age, appreciating jazz.His muZic has a very special way of sending messages without words. Once you play any of Eric's cds, you will begin to feel instant communication with The Man/Woman up above. From "Bird" to "Washington" to "Boney" and "Kenny G" he can hang with the best of 'em, proven in his improvinastion snippets through out the bridges of almost all his songs.Thank you Eric, for this wonderful blessing.

Fast service, got it in 2 days ! Product was perfect and the wife loves it so life is good !

Eric Darius is an inspiration to me. He is fresh, innovative in the way he mixes jazz with Hip-Hop in vibe with me, Breathe will almost bring me to tears. I'm not lying. He just simply feels so, so good. Eric is and will always be the one to watch. I look forward to hearing more from him.

This CD is simply wonderful. I'm new to Jazz, so I've been searching for that right flow and style. I definitely found it with this CD.

This young Tampa, Fla native continues to impress! As one of the selection of this CD suggest 'Ain't no doubt about it'

I love jazz music and I think this CD is wonderful. Every song is a hit. This is a must have CD.

Saxman Eric Darius makes his Blue Note debut with Goin' All Out. Darius has clearly tried to incorporate a number of different styles into the release, stretching his chops beyond the regular smooth jazz experience. The opening track `Just Like That' establishes an upbeat tone for the album although I found the hand-clapped beat a little too over-powering for the bouncy sax melody. A finer balance between drum programming and sax would also have better served a cover of Ne-Yo's `Because Of You'. `Just for the Moment' featuring the guitar of Norman Brown, and the title track boosted by a funky bass and horn section, are both engaging songs. Mary J. Blige's `Be Without You' also fits the bill with a slower R&B groove. Industrial sounds and rhythms drive `Vibe With Me' and `Feelin Da" Rhythm', neither of which would be too out-of-place on a modern dance floor, especially the latter. After the adventurous two tracks preceding it, `Ain"t No Doubt About It" feels like somewhat of a let-down as it heads back to safer ground. `Unconditional' reestablishes the rhythmic and melodic creativity of the earlier tracks however. The set concludes with `Breathe' a respectable but unremarkable number. With a few albums now under his belt, Darius is starting to show more maturity and establish a unique "sound" which can only bode well for his future. Reviewed by smoothjazzreviews.net

Track ratings:
Just Like That 3
Because Of You 3
Just For The Moment 4
Goin' All Out 4
Be Without You 4
Vibe With Me 4
Feelin Da' Rhythm 4
Ain't No Doubt About It 3
Unconditional 4
Breathe 3

"Going All Out" is Eric's premier release on the Blue Note label and what an auspicious beginning it is! The listener can hear and appreciate Eric's musical growth and maturity. His energy level still excites and promises an emotional journey. At 25 years of age, the sky is the limit for this gifted saxophonist.

If you haven't seen Eric in a live performance, you are missing something truly special. He is a force to be reckoned with.