Customer Reviews

Kneebody

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

 

 

I was too young to remember Miles' Bitches Brew. I do remember how excited I was about Weather Report. Wasn't too crazy about the Pat Metheney Group, but did recognize its appeal to the masses. All these groups were the product of their times, unafraid to incorporate the many influences swirling around which many straight-ahead jazz musicians wouldn't dare touch, like rock and electronics. And they were exciting because they were taking risks.

So what would such a band sound like today? I say it would be like Kneebody. Tight compositions, amazing musicianship, improvisation, which are so in tune with 'now'. What makes it sound so current? First, the amazing compositions. You have to hear them to know what I'm talking about so at the very least, before you leave this page, listen to the clips. Then the groove. It is grungy, dirty, totally rockin', and often it's in odd meters although one wouldn't even be thinking about such things when listening to this album. And the sounds itself, the different sound effects and electronics which is so tastefully used, just enough to make you wonder what kind of music it really is. The occasional burning solos, occasional because most of the music is totally group based, adds an exciting contrast, artfully avoiding the jazz trap of endless cycle of soloists blowing over the same changes in the same meter in the same tempo.

This is a CD which must have required a lot of thought and time spent together by the group. It's on Dave Douglas' new label, which gives it an added twist. What kind of music is it, really? For me, the answer is clear. It doesn't matter. It's the hippest instrumental music I've heard in a long time.

I bought this CD because someone had mentioned Shane Endsley to me as a new voice on the trumpet in the Jazz Arena. I was pleasantly surprised to experience a young group with a developing group sound.

There are some well written compositions that are the focus of the group. It is not the "head and solo" jazz that many jazz groups opt for, but instead the solos are built in to well developed compositions. The solos are an integral part of the tunes and are played as such.

On the down side, these guys are young, so although they are certainly competent jazz musicians, they somewhat lack the "soul" that develops with living life. Thus the music lacks that spiritual aspect that connects with your inner spirit, but that will come in time. Also, this was recorded in 2005, so I'm anxious to hear their later efforts.

In any case I like their approach, which is not similar in sound, but is a similar concept to Brian Blade's Fellowship Band, the Pat Metheny Group and others. I think that concept is the real future of jazz.

Try it, and give it several listenings, I think you'll like it, and see the potential for some great music.

the cover of this album discribes the overall feeling of this album, 'a rainy day at the airport leaving a big city' if you're a fan of jazz music and appreciate good music than what are you waiting for this album is absolutely great. it creates a great relaxed environment, it's phenomonal!!!!

Kneebody writes great music that you can listen to all the time...you will not regret buy this album

Check it out...IT'S AWESOME!!!!!

A great blend of jazz, rock, hip-hop, funk, and electronica! Beautiful, creative, and inventive stuff! Please give it a sample!