Customer Reviews

In a Heartbeat

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just purchased this disc and it is superb. I have several
of Chuck's CD's, and one fact is true: He is an amazing guitarist. Favorite tracks are "Pocket Change", North, South,East
and West; and in particular, "Big Time". At first this track
starts off slow, but the guitar playing progresses to a fiery,
slick, incredible show of Chuck's vast talent. I highly recommend
this disc.

Although "Heartbeat" isn't exactly hardcore Jazz, this particular cd is for the mature and discerning listeners. Most of the performances are reflective and thought provoking. Without a doubt, this is another great follow up to his earlier releases.

I don't think that a long, "wordy" review is necessary here. Suffice it to say that, although Mr. Loeb has never released a less than brilliant album in his entire musical career, In a Heartbeat has to be his best yet.

Chuck Loeb has led a successful career, a crossover artist who is skillful and capable of playing various styles that fit the theme...fushion, hard-bop, mainstream jazz and contemporary/smooth jazz. But all in all, guitar is his name and music is the game, fills in all the spaces with his God-given talent.

Loeb started playing the guitar at age 11, hooked on jazz at 16, studied with Jim Hall, Pat Methany and Joe Puma - attended Berklee College of Music. Worked with Stan Getz, Hubert Laws, Eddie Daniels, Peter Erskin and Lionel Cordew...made his first solo recording in 1988 for DMP records.

"In A Heartbeat" is his fourth album for Shanachie Entertainment, and one of his best - slowly Chuck has been able to take a band out and play clubs/concerts for an increasingly wider audience all over the world. The past five years the core of the band has basically remained the same, a fast and growing friendship with heartfelt dedication prevail, and it shows in their music.

Of course there are stand outs - "IN A HEARTBEAT", for his beautiful wife Carmen Cuesta, changed his life forever, Brandon Singleton sings the beautiful lyrics of deep love - "NORTH, SOUTH, EAST AND WES", opening track features flute - Nestor Torres (solo) and Christina Loeb - Elizabeth Loeb (piccolo), rhythmic-latin-bop with fantastic fingering by Chuck on guitar.

And there is a highlight - "BILLY'S SONG", composed by Chuck and dedicated to a very dear friend, who passed away this summer suddenly - as the final note - "This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you." - I miss you Billy.

Total Time: 71:37 on 14 Tracks...Shanachie Entertainment SH-5078...(2001)

I had a chance to see Chuck and his band play a gig at the Blue Note in NYC recently. While his records have some incredibly tasty stuff on them--including this one--the energy from his live performance is awesome. We are truly lucky to have a guy like Chuck on the music scene today. Perhaps some day his record company will release a "live" CD that captures the amazing energy of Chuck and his band. We should be so lucky.

The great composition and production from Chuck Loeb complements perfect with Vocals 'Vincent' and 'In a heartbeat', as well as all of the tracks from this album - Billy's Song, On and One/Fire, SoulMate, Goodbye etc... plays great for night occasions and as well if you prefer being alone.

The CD entitled "In a Heartbeat" is a must for jazz enthusiasts. The song "Big Time" is a funky groove!!

This is the kind of jazz everyone likes. An essential for every collection. We love Chuck's smooth guitar sound!

This being my second Chuck Loeb CD, I admit that his work is mysteriously great! His fingers intimately create tunes that can tame. The addition of his wife's voice to his work adds a welcoming calm. My Favorite Track: North, South, East and West! Great driving music! :o)

I am a guitar player of 35 years. I did not know of Chuck Loeb before this CD, but now consider him one of the best smooth jazz players and writers today. This CD is consistently great. Every track is memorable. He is a truly great musician and writes with care. He is on par with Lee Ritenour. Everyone can enjoy this CD. One of the best in my collection.