Customer Reviews

Jazzmasters 5

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Warm sunshine...a cool breeze...splashing waves on the beach...these are the images that come to my mind when I listen to the magical smooth grooves of Paul Hardcastle. Paul is back with his latest release, "Jazzmasters V," and it's yet another in a long line of outstanding albums from this multi-talented studio wizard. Track for track it is gorgeous, hypnotic smooth jazz of the highest order. It's mostly an instrumental album, but Paul's longtime vocalist Helen Rogers is back to lend her soulful voice to three amazing tracks: the brilliant cover of "Children Of The Ghetto" (originally recorded by the UK act The Real Thing), and the equally dreamy "Garden Of Eden" and "Live For The Dream." Stunning instrumental pieces include "Never Far Away," "Free As The Wind," "The Sun Says Goodbye," and Paul's very first "epic" smooth-jazz piece, "World In Action," which clocks in at nearly 11 minutes and is simply marvelous. Saxophonist Snake Davis makes excellent contributions throughout, and the album's sound is sparkling & shiny. I just can't get enough of Paul Hardcastle's awesome music---"Jazzmasters V" is wonderful stuff. (Now, if we can just convince Paul to get out of the studio and do a tour...I'd be there for him in a second!)

I am listening Paul Harcastle about 15 years now. I have all his discography and my favourite is the Hardcastle -- Jazzmaster series. Jazzmasters V is once again awesome. The Sun Says Goodbye, Untold Story... just awesome. Waiting for more and more...

This is my thirteenth CD by Paul Hardcastle, and I hope he's still got lots more to come. Some people, including radio announcers, seem to think "The Jazzmasters" is the name of a group rather than an album title, but it's still Paul Hardcastle. For some reason, he alternates between names for each release.

If I had heard any song in this collection on the radio for the first time, I would have said, "Ooh, that sounds like Paul Hardcastle!" -- and that's a good thing. I love the way his music somehow always manages to be relaxing without being boring, rhythmic without being too intrusive, and sensuous enough to make a great soundtrack for whatever you're up to.

I often put on a disk of his when having dinner, or relaxing after a stressful day. Every song on this one had the desired effect, but many were appealing enough that I'd look over at the stereo and think "Ooh, I like that one. What's that one called?"

Whenever his next release comes out, I'll be buying that too.

Not a bad showing by Paul Hardcastle. While not as good as the 1st Jazzmaster Series with "Sounds of Summer", this CD is not bad. He has at least dumped the quasi rap music of his last released and focused on smooth jazz, albeit without much uptempo stuff for which he made his bones. There is but a single uptempo track, "Never Far Away". I think there are better examples of smooth jazz out there, which are less reliant upon formulas that have apparently latched onto Mr. Hardcastle.

But if you are a smooth jazz fan like I am, buy this CD for the 1-2 keeper tracks.

I do kinda agree with the last reviewer that Paul Hardcastle's music is a bit mundane but THAT is just Paul Hardcastle's style and honestly I wouldn't expect him to change a thing because his style is what defines him and when you hear it you automatically know without question who it is and I love Paul's flavor. It's a beautiful unique blend that consists of futuristic keyboard sounds along with flutes and saxophone.

The Jazzmasters V is indeed a beautiful CD (Music & Cover..LOL!)
Moon Trekin' is my favorite cut cause it put me in the mind of "Rain Forest" and everybody knows that "Rain Forest" is what put Paul Hardcastle on the map plus "Moon Trekin" is just a monster groove and another Hardcastle classic.

My second favorite is "Untold Story" when I get in my car at night and start driving down the highway and seeing the city lights and skyline. This song really sets it off.

"Never Far Away", "Children Of The Ghetto", "Free As The Wind" and "Fate Into The Night" are my other favorites.

All the other cuts are okay but can be a bit mundane but it shouldn't stop you from picking up this Cd. it's definitely worth having in your collection.

Ever since hearing my first album by Hardcastle I have purhcased several more. I love them all. I play them in my car especially when driving long distance. Very pleasant ride listening to them. I will be a fan forever.

The cover is one of the best I had seen on the Jazzmasters cds. That alone will make you buy it. lol. but the cd has some smooth jazz that you will play over and over and never gets tierd of it. butt "children of the ghetto" is the one i like the best

A MUST HAVE for lovers of smooth jazz. Hardcastle`s compositions bring together a blend of instruments that makes this genre compelling. The inclusion of three pieces with a lady with vocal clarity, Helen Rogers, work magic with Snake Davis' horn and add depth of this album. Hardcastle's interpretation of "Children of the ghetto" with Rogers on vocals is a work of art.

The Tracks On This CD Relate Directly To The Lovely Lady Gracing The Cover! Smooth, Exotic And Mysterious! Save This One For Those Romantic Moments Or If You Have Had Just A Dreadful Day And Need Time To Slowly Unwind. There Are No Upbeats Here. Just Let Yourself Go And Put Yourself In The Hands Of The JAZZMASTERS. This Is A Great CD, The Overall Quality IS Excellent, Will Bring Out The Best In Your Stereo Gear. I Will Be Getting Other CDs Of The Jazzmasters!!! A+ Stuff!!!!!

The four CD before this are very good. I have them this is two steps down. Not very good.