Customer Reviews

Journey

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

 

 

This is the strongest release by Fourplay in quite some time. After the experimental effort on their prior release, Heartfelt, Fourplay returns to the familiar blend of harmonies and rhythms that their fans have adored for so many years.

Of note are eight standout performances by the group (Fields of Gold, From Day One, Rozil, Cool Train, Avalabop, The Firehouse Chill, Departure, and 147 4th Street). My favorites are From Day One and Rozil.

If you have been listening to Bob James over the years, you will recognize From Day One as a Bob James composition. It's well structured, with set pieces for each artist and a nicely developed signature melody for the lead-in and the bridge. It has a long, slow and soft rideout with Bob on the keyboards clearly in the lead throughout. Very nicely done!

Rozil is clearly inspired by the music of Jobim, and perhaps more recently by Torcuato Mariano. It's smooth, silky, and reminds me of pleasant evenings in Rio. Nathan East's singing along with his melody on the bass is superb!

If you have chance to see Fourplay on tour in late Summer and into Fall, don't miss the opportunity. If most of the tunes on this CD are on the playlist for their live show, it should not be missed!

This is a good solid C- Jazz CD. The track Journey could have been left out. The vocals are rushed, however the band has calmed down since Lee's departure, and Larry is now in sync with the rest of the group.

But really jazz is music of expression and emotion. It is not pop and it shouldn't come out as a cheesy remarket of previous tunes and styles; Fourplay isn't about that and neither is jazz. This is not elevator music. It's great C-Jazz and the Grammy proves it! This new CD stands out on its own merit and is definitely a good buy.

Call it elevator music, easy listening, Fourplay still delivers a great CD. I don't think people understand the factors of a band of this calibre to put out albums like this. The factors such as creative juices, mind set, availability of the musicians etc. Whatever the case there are musicians on this CD playing at a higher calibre you and I can ever play at. If you didn't get your monies worth that's your problem. You should sample the songs before purchasing. You can't expect any band to put out "knock your socks off CD" every time they record. One thing you are guaranteed about Fourplay, it will be a well played,recorded, creative CD. I threw on the Cd, grab a good book too read and just loved it. I stopped during Journey with it's neat hooks and 147th 4th st. that reminds me of a past lover. Music is there for us to use at our own deposal and if we sit and wait for it to make us jump hoops then how can we be a lover of music and creator of dreams and fatansies of music through our hearts. If I am in the Super market and hear any of this CD I will be totally enjoying it! Mick Jagger said years ago, "You know you made it when you hear your tunes in an elavator"

As a long-time fan of all the artists that make up Fourplay, I was particularly disappointed in Journey. While the playing is high-quality, the compositions are not. The songs sound forced, as if they were in a hurry to release another album. These guys are capable of much better (as they have shown many times over the last 30 years.) If you haven't bought a Fourplay album previously, skip this one. Buy Heartfelt instead. If you are a Larry Carlton fan and you like "the blues," buy Sapphire Blue.

I never heard of Fourplay until I bought the DVD Audio titled FOURPLAY and I was blown away. It was perfect jazz - smooth and mellow without the pop and JOURNEY is the same way. Excellent mix of vocals and instrumentals and I especially like the title track "Journey". I'm going through cancer treatment (again) and for anyone who has been down that road, this song really states it all ... "When I look at the love that surrounds me ... I'm here on this journey, and I don't want to go it alone".

This cd is one of the best Fourplay cd ever made and its an audiophile dream come true.Now, for those so call fans that are still wearing pampers,please grow up get rid of your discman and stop crying.Fourplay has grown up and is now making music for the mature fans with audiophile taste...highly recommended.

Is the spark gone? Honestly, these songs put me to sleep and make me want to press "Lobby". You're too good to put this out. I own all the CDs, some of the DVDs of concerts, seen them play live as well. I am a big fan, but this CD just doesn't evoke any emotion.

This is not what I am used to from Fourplay. This is garbage. It almost sounds like elevator music.

Wasn't a drop down box for half star so had to give it 1. Worst Fourplay album to date. Rather insulting realy. Did they get together & decide to bash a couple of tracks together to keep the record company happy?. And this from four seasoned producers.... Save your money

The best Fourplay album in years. Eventhough, I've bought every album, the past three albums just didn't move me as much. However, this album is the Fourplay I grew up on. All the tracks are soothing and typical of the Fourplay sound that's good for any occassion. My favorites are definitely Cool Train, Avalabop, and Firehouse Chill. Those are the three I play the CD cover off when in the ride. I didn't know until last week this album had even been released. Well, it was definitely worth the wait cuz the Jazz that's being released right now is definitely oversaturated Pop Jazz, and I'm glad Fourplay took it back to the way it's supposed to be done.