Customer Reviews

Groovin'

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

 

 

Rick Braun continues to demonstrate his mastery of old school funk and with the help of Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown adds a jazzy favor to some classic music. The combination of Kirk Whalum, Norman Brown and Rick Braun starts off good with the Groovin track and finishes solid with Up for the down stroke. Although the trio could have really impressed c-jazz followers if they added two or three brand new tracks, over all its a fun CD. I hope these guys tour together next summer!

If you're into Kenny G., Enya, Yanni or others of that "Smooth" jazz ilk this is not the album for you. This is funky, groovin', shake your goove thang music. The opening track, "Groovin'," sets the tone for the collaborative effort of Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown, each a musical force in their own right. They've teamed together to bring a new spin on old classics like "Ruby Baby", "Hip Hug Her", and a pretty funky version of Parliament's "Up For The Down Stroke." But my favorite cut of all has to be their rendition of the old Cannonball Adderly tune, "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy." The original is still the best but these three do it some justice. So, you want some slow romantic music, then get out your Boney James (the best love-making music around.) But if you want to get the party started then put in Groovin' by BWB.

I bought this CD after reading most of the other reviews, and in my opinion it is excellent. This CLOWN, "NODE ROGUE" simply does not know what he's talking about. It seems he just wanted to give a bad review for no particular reason. I love smooth jazz, and this is NOT elevator music. The music is crisp, clean and full of deep grooves. I am also a drummer and the drumming and the drum mix are EXCELLENT and right up front. Its worth the price of the CD for track 7 alone "Lets do it again" featuring the vocals of Dee Dee Bridgewater. EXCELLENT EXCELLEXT EXCELLENT !! Each note comes through crystal clear. Maybe "NODE ROGUE" should take his $39.99 WAL-MART stereo to the dump and get some good audio equipment. For anyone who loves smooth jazz, buy this CD. It's a great addition to my collection. You will NOT be disappointed!!!

Sleepy funk; sound like an oxymoron? It's not. This set is chock-a-block with easy but greasy jazz/funk. The music definitely has a "harder edge" than the usual product from Rick Braun, Kirk Walum or Norman Brown. And considering that sidemen Christian McBride and Gregory Hutchinson are generally considered to be more "traditional" jazz musicians, they cook up some really nasty grooves. Good CD.

Standing alone these three men are truly great musicians. Every cd of theirs that I have purchased has been a treat. In the setting of creating an album that would be fun and musically challenging these men have shown their genius. This album is a jewel to listen to and absorb. It is obvious from watching the enhanced cd portion of the album that they had a blast recording, yet this record is not just a thrown together work to make money. I would definitely recommend it as a cd to buy. Just check out what they have done with some of the old favorites of jazz. I am sure you will be impressed and even awed at the raw talent that comes blazing through.

I will admit that the concept of Kirk Whalum, Norman Brown and Rick Braun did not sound all that interesting. Separate they are three dynamic superstar musicians in their own right. Together, could it really work?? Was this a marketing scheme to hype up the Warner Brothers jazz label?? Answer to both questions, surprisingly, is yes!! These three men, each with his own unique style, compliment one another very well. Essentially what the end result ends up being is that of a well seasoned mix of contemporary jazz fusion. My only knock on the disc is that these guys are too talented and too damn good to do a disc of nothing but cover songs. I wish that more original tunes were included on the release. However, what I will say is that I respect the fact that the guys appeared to pay tribute to the various eras of great music that we have come to known over the years. For those of you that doubt this mix can work all I have to say to you is that currently the guys are on a promotional tour marketing the release of this album and if you get a chance to catch this show live, do so. It will without a doubt mesmerize you and find you rethinking the concept of this album not being any good. In fact, I found that it had the opposite effect in that it solidified the talent of each of these great stars. Genius idea of Warner Brothers jazz execs. Jazz music could definitely continue to use another boost. First Braun and James, now BWB. Whose next? Possibly Culbertson, Brown and James???? Wow, now wouldn't that be a real treat????

Don't know what kind of taste the negative reviewers have, but these are all #1 cuts. Beautiful remake of Alecia Keyes song. I love this CD. I could listen to it over and over again!

If you like smooth jazz with a little bit of funk and some really warm comfortable tracks then this is a good choice. The ensamble cast is more than the individuals just put together. Everyone seems to find a deeper and richer sound on this CD than as individual performers. It is the prefect choice for a warm summer evening under the stars with a cool drink in hand.

This is one of my favorite cds. Probably the best musical investment I made in 2003 was getting Groovin' by BWB. These guys are great solo artists but when you put them together, they take it to the next level. This isn't your smooth jazz sit down and listen cd. The combination of old school funk and soul calls for changing gears and exceeding the speed limit. I love this cd and the louder I play it, the better it sounds. A couple of the tunes are laid back grooves, but overall this is one jammin' set of cuts that reaches back towards the Buddy Rich days and the sound of big band funk. Don't miss this one!

Never since Fourplay have I been so overwelmed by multi-talented Jazz artist on one forum. This CD can not be explained in words the CLASSIC and GENIUS colab given to the Jazz world. This one that will be remember for decades. Award winning without a doubt.