Customer Reviews

Hardcastle 5

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The very talented Smooth Jazz artist Paul Hardcastle has released his latest CD titled "Hardcastle 5" and Wow! It's really a good one.
The London born Hardcastle is a producer of electronic pop instrumental records who uses keyboards, drum machines, some regular instruments, often a saxophone lead and occasional singers to create enjoyable music
The album literally grabs your attention right from the beginning with "Lucky Star" and doesn't let go until the very last note of the very last song, which by the way is another great track "Take 1".
It has a nicely varied, mix of 13 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly talented artist.
The CD is a collection of sensual, trippy, hard-to-resist cuts which will make you feel good.
And this is the reason why they are so radio friendly : the single "Lucky Star" has made the top Ten in the Contemporary Jazz chart.
This is a first rate CD, delivering a little something for everyone.
I give it two thumbs up.
It's quite simply great listening.
A must buy for the Smooth Jazz fan.

While I miss the sultry singing of Helen Rodgers, I enjoyed the sound Ms. Biggins brings to this newest project of Paul Hardcastle. This is destined to be one of my favorite Hardcastle or Jazzmaster recordings although I love them all, for the possible exception of the few rap-infused cuts on some previous albums. Paul Hardcastle is the only recording artist of which I can say I possess every one of his CDs. His blend of smooth, sultry melodies, impeccable keyboard work is truly remarkable. This album is no exception. In some ways, it seems more contemporary than earlier efforts but somehow he has been able to maintain his unique sound and style. So do yourself a favor, get this CD, buy a good bottle of Pinot, light a few candles, relax and let this music take you to a place of pure ecstasy.

This just can't be happening, how could this man keep making hit after hit after hit? There is no doubt Hardcastle/Jazzmasters are simply the best ever. If you don't believe me just listen to the music. I'd be willing to put Paul Hardcastle against any (jazz artist) challengers song for song and would guarantee he would win easily. Hardcastle and the Jazzmasters are unbelievable and they do it with the smoothness. I love it.

What else can be said about Paul Hardcastle!? The Creative Genius goes on!
Heard this on album KJJZ (102.3FM), and it blew me away!
The Brit goes West Coast Smooth Jazz, and Then some!

Hardcastle 5 is nice. I eagerly awaited this CD hoping for some more of Maxine Hardcastle. But i wasn't disappointed. The new lady sounds sweet. I like Paul giving other artists a chance to shine. My favorite is "Marimba" and "Keep Movin On". Nice cuts. I can't wait for The Jazzmasters VI. Where are you Ms. Helen Rogers and Maxine? Excellent purcahse for Hardcastle music lovers.

Paul Hardcastle returns with his fifth entitled "Hardcastle" album under his solo moniker and it is a wonderful and yet different sounding album from his previous release, 2005's "Hardcastle 4". That one had a funkier and less atmospheric sound but the fifth entry is different even from that one. Here, the songs in general have a mellower tempo and to my suprise, Helen Rogers who has blessed us for 15+ years is noticably absent from this album. Instead we have other vocalists who I've never heard before but they are still very good on here. Hardcastle never fails to impress but even better is that the final track "Take One" was actually mixed by his son Paul Jr.! Now how about that! We could very well have a musical Hardcastle dynasty in the making! Okay, maybe I'm stretching it a bit but Hardcastle 5 I think is a wonderful new entry and continues the Hardcastle legacy of producing great music for the ages. Perfect for long late night walks across town.

This album is so sensual, melodious, hauntingly sexual, and liberates the artistic soul. I began painting my first female nude while listening to this CD. If you're artistic and in need of inspiration, or feel your creativity is stifled then this is the album for you. Also great for those couples out there needing some bonding lovey dovey makeup time after a disagreement. Hotly Recommended!!

I have been a longtime Paul Hardcastle fan. I got the Jazzmaster 1 and 2 and even Hardcastle 1. I am so glad to revisited his music when I got Hardcastle 5...it is really great!!! It is smooth and grooven!!! On the first spin I am in love!!! Thanks Paul your album will have me relaxing and grooving all summer!!! Five stars with no problems! I think it is actually my favorite album of yours!!! Loved your son's song also!

I first heard this on a long rainy night and wah..that setting describes the mood of this album perfectly.

Hardcastle hits us again with a new Smooth/Synth Jazz work, this time with the help of Beki Biggins who features on the tracks "Don't You Know", "Closer", "Blew My Mind" and "Keep Movin On". This is her debut as a Hardcastle vocalist. She sounds different from the usual jazzmasters veteran Helen Rogers, but still retains that signature style which makes everyone feel good, cool and jazzy. I think she has done a remarkable job here.

I won't go into a lengthy discussion of all the tracks. Suffice to say, the music/sound quality is good; there's a lot of texture here. So try and listen to it on decent audio equipment, otherwise you're not getting the whole thing. Also featured here is Paul Hardcastle Jnr, who wrote the last track "Take One". I was surprised by its excellent quality which is comparable to the rest of the CD. Power!

Overall, the whole album feels like a fantastic lover; it's not too gentle and neither is it too hard. It puts you right where you need to be.

Didn't think Hardcastle could get any better. The sounds he produces are just amazing. Soft and sweet with a subtle punch once in a while.
robbicee luvs jazz, Rancho Mirage, CA