Customer Reviews

Life Colors

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

 

 

I loved this album. So much feeling & the musicianship is nothing short of astounding! If you like jazz violin, great sax, bass, drums & piano, check it out! Some heavy hitting players here also.

The opener "Dancing on the Wall", is a spirited waltz. After a unison violin/tenor lead, the tune serves to introduce us to the quintet. Waddell is especially supportive throughout. It is worth noting that Waddell has deep credentials in the Country & Western world. I can't say I hear any C&W influence on any cuts on this CD. Following Mason's theme statement and solo, KC favorite Bill Caldwell takes charge with a burning tenor solo on the Latin-flavored "Little Brown Girl." He also provides tasty punctuation as Mason takes the tune out.
Mason's violin is outstanding, with a pure tone and lines not unlike a saxophonist's), and Harris provides bass support and also feeds sustained chords to Mason, with a sound reminiscent of Philip Catherine's support on Dexter Gordon's unique "Something Different."
It's a nice sound.
The programming on the CD is quite varied and flows well. Those who enjoy jazz violin and Bill Caldwell will enjoy.

The projects best single, "Dancing On The Wall," is a slick, layered collage of instruments that will dazzle your ears with unique arrangements and rapid fire percussion that sustains your interest without overwhelming you. The songs "Life Colors," and the Miles Davis cover of "All Blues," are more rugged tunes with funkier under tones, The single " Dancing on the Wall " is sizzling with intensity and artistry as with "Dancing On The Wall, " and "Little Brown Girl."
All songs on CD were recorded in one sitting with no overdubs, making this a highly ambitious project that courageously tackles an abstract art form and distinguishes George Mason and Friends as progressive jazz players who are bold enough to take the path less chosen. They have achieved their goal of achieving musical chemistry through impulsive, creative improvisation.