Customer Reviews

Kickin It

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

 

 

I have been a true fan of Jeff Lorber's since the mid-70s when he had Kenny (G)orelik as his main sax man. While Kenny G has gone on to more commercial acclaim, there is no denying that Jeff Lorber is a master mentor still very much in his element and still able to put out quality jazz fusion material. None of the material here disappoints...as a matter of fact, there is not one single dud on the CD. His interpretations of "Ain't Nobody" and "Keep That Same Old Feeling" are fresh and sparkling readings. "Happy Endings" is a glorious piece while the title cut, "Kickin It" does just that. Makes you almost wonder why the A&R department or Mr. Lorber for that matter did not start the CD with this particular cut. Musically there are no real surprises and if you are a true Jeff Lorber fan you are quite familiar with his chord progressions. But this CD is well worth the wait and merely whets the appetite for the next production from one of jazz fusion's premiere artists. Hats off to a wonderful CD that you will enjoy for years to come!!!

Thank goodness for Jeff Lorber and this excellent piece of work. In a time when all you hear on jazz stations are songs that sound like they were all produced by Paul Brown. This is a breathe of fresh air. Packaged in this musical journey are wonderful melodies, driving beats, funky latin sounds and the beautiful keyboards of Lorber. Included in this CD are great guest horn players like Gerald Albright, Dave Koz, Steve Cole and Richard Elliot. Jeff also backs himself up with the tighest band that I have heard in years. Snakebite track one will set the tone for this musical journey and the fantastic keyboard playing by one of the best. So if you find yourself stuck in the musical dole-drom of smooth jazz. Start Kickin'It with Jeff Lorber.

"Kickin' It" is neither the artistic triumph or smooth-jazz pablum that many reviewers have characterized. It's more earthy than most of Jeff Lorber's 1990s output, and has some of the tightest session musicians working in contemporary jazz.

Every song is a delight, though the cover of "Ain't Nobody" does nothing to enhance the song beyond what Rufus & Chaka Khan did orginally. And producer Paul Brown is nowhere to be found, which may come as some solace to Brown haters (of which I am not, but it does seem like he's producing everybody these days)

Sure, Jeff and the gang could have stretched out a little more, but most fans respect his restraint and though it's not a revolution, it's a decent evolution of Jeff Lorber's signature sound.

This is the kind of jazz they used to play on the radio on a late Sunday afternoon in the summer, Lorber lays the bait with Snakebite and its Cannonball Adderley-esque groove, then leads into Ain't Nobody -granted, it's an elevator music rendition, but it's the grooviest elevator you ever been on. Chopsticks continues the jam session and then stays true to the Crusaders with a sexy Keep That Same Ol' Feelin'(Wilton Felder where are you).Kickin' It-is Jeff finally being himself and The In Crowd

sounds like a brand new composition with Jeff's arrangement. Kickin' It is like the long lost friend you haven't heard from in years and the good time you have while catching up on those old days...

This is the CD you play in the background when you're hangin' out with cool friends.

I purchased this CD after hearing "Snakebite" playing on my local Detroit smooth jazz station. And despite some of the mediocre reviews, this is an excellent piece of work, don;t let anyone fool you. People reminiscing and comparing Lorber's work from bygone decades serve no purpose if you want to hear some superlative work that is infectious, fun, and extremely well produced. Buy it, you won't regret it.

Man,this guy's stuff has sure left me flat over the last 10-15 years.When he collaborated with great R&B singers(some of the names escape me now,but Audrey Wheeler was one),Manhattan Transfer,and The System back in the 80's,he was a top funkasizin' son of a behotch.He's either sold out and went Kenny G,or he's just uninspired.Case in point-my favorite tune(might not be yours,but I hope it's up there) from this one is the title track,written with the amazing Robbie Nevil.I think he should get back to producing other artists.

This CD wasn't all that in my opinion. I mean, it wasn't the worst thing Jeff has put out, but it's marginal at best.

This record is one of the funkiest Jeff has done.. great drumming, and some cool songwriting. check out "what it is" which is old school fusion music and the title track, "Kickin' It" with it's unusual groove. Nice guest turns by some hot sax players and Stuart Wylen on guitar...

5 Stars? What disc did you guys buy? This is the most careful, don't take a chance, leave your chops outside the studio disc I have heard in a while. It epitomizes cream puff light jazz where solos are strictly forbidden. The thing is, I know these guys can play better, but they sound like they have been told not to. Pity because some of the grooves are pretty good, they just don't go anywhere. I will keep this disc just in case I decide to install an elevator in my home, then I'll have the right music.