Customer Reviews

Live at the Blue Note (W/Dvd)

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

 

 

I saw Arturo Sandoval in concert a few years ago. Those looking for a textbook album with lots of his trumpet playing are not going to be happy. Those people should look for a differnt album. However, those with an open mind and a penchant for live Sandoval concerts should apply here - as they know, Sandoval is not a trumpet player but rather a showman, moving from instrument to instrument and dominating just as he dominates the trumpet. Although the song selection is not his best, and as is typical of live concerts, the sound quality is nothing to write home about, that's not what live concerts are bought for -they are purchased for the excitement between performer and audience, and the way each feeds off the other's energy. In that case this album is on par with Rolling Stones "Flash Point", Miles and Quincy "Live at Montreaux", and Benny Goodman "Live at Carnegie Hall" (1978 version).

A couple people have said how they don't like that Arturo doesn't play trumpet as much as you would think. While this is true, this is what you see when you see Arturo live. He is incredibly versatile, world class in both piano and trumpet. On "Blues for Diz, he has an extended scatting solo, which, again, is not him playing. But, like I said, this is what you will see when taking in a live performance from him.

In short, what you are seeing here is versatility- Arturo solos on trumpet, piano, vocals, and percussion. How many other musicians will do that? If you're looking for an album that showcases the full package of what Arturo can do, this is for you. If, however, you are looking to drool over his trumpet play- and only his trumpet playing- try "Hot House" or "Los Elefantes," if you can find it. This is a very solid live disc, and while the dvd could have been shot better, it is a welcome addition to the cd.

I'm one of those guys who has chosen to be "willfully ignorant" on some things in an attempt to keep them "fun," at least to a certain degree - Jazz is one of those. So my review is not coming from a serous Arturo fan, but someone that simply wants to enjoy some music, or a show, or whatever.

I had no expectations at all when I popped the DVD into the player. As the program began I first noticed that the stage was pretty small, and that the camera position made the club look small as well. But this setup accomplishes something special; it brings us to the performance instead of bringing the performance to our living rooms (I wanted to leave the living room anyway J.And I may have actually sat in that very camera position from time to time in clubs.

I don't know how this performance rates to Arturo's other live performances, but I am a bigger fan after watching it, and have enjoyed my other Arturo CD's more as well.

I liked the performance; I had no idea how gifted Arturo actually is until watching this. One of the things I appreciate most about Arturo is his sensitivity to his audience; he keeps it moving, changes the pace, shares the spotlight, and keeps it fresh. He serves his audience as opposed to performers who expect the audience worship them.

Arturo Sandoval's cooking live performance recorded 2004 in the Blue Note (NYC) shows once more his capability of switching easiely from one musical style to another within seconds. Mr. Sandoval plays not only trumpet/cornet. On "A Lovely One" and "Surena" he plays piano as well. Besides that he plays percussion and raps and scats likewise Bobby Mc Ferrin and Joe Hendricks ... what a joy to listen and watch him kidding arround the bandstand. For the ladies: Felipe Lamoglia's dark tonded tenor on the beautiful ballads "A Lovely One" and on Alicia Key's song "If I Ain't Got You". An absolute must!

Arturo Sandoval is one of those few people who will be remembered in 100 years. The intensity of which he performs leaves little to be desired. His virtuosity of the trumpet is top notch, but guess what? He's progressed beyond that point in his career. He has been performing for a very long time and he simply does not always play fast and high anymore. As a musician, he has matured; there is more to his music than hard trumpet playing. Put it this way; I started listening to him because of his technique, but I stay for his musicianship. This CD/DVD set is a prime example. If you buy this for his trumpet playing alone, there is some but you will not get the full experience Sandoval is trying to portray. Every musician in the band is extremely talented and they work really well together. Bottom line, if you are not in a comatose state, you will enjoy this wonderful live recording.

Arturo Sandoval is one of the most gifted trumpet players of all time, and in my opinion, the best of today. I've seen him twice live, and this DVD/CD set helps his performance come to life for anyone who owns it.
He has a great sense of humor, and plays instruments including trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion, jewish harp, and piano. He is a master at every instrument he touches, and the entire CD is a masterpiece.
Sandoval plays way high, way low, aggressive, suave... and all around sexy. The musicians he plays with are nothing short of the best. Every player owns the music they output.
One of my favorite CD's.

Having seen Arturo Sandoval this past summer in Newport and soon again
in the Boston area post-Thanksgiving, I was particularly pleased to have obtained this, what I believe is the only live recording by one of the finest and most exciting live jazz masters today. His astounding command of all things Afro-Cuban, funk, classical and just about any genre he wants to communicate will grace your ears and be a welcome addition to any collection.

As always from Arturo, great music. Exceptional sidemen, high energy. Disappointing video on the DVD, lack of clarity, and sufficient isolation on the musicians. Audio mix is occaisonally overwhelmed, lacks definition when the group cranks it up. All in all, a must have for fans of Sandoval, especially for the price.

This is the first live recording I have heard from Arturo. The band is smokin' and some of the new tunes are especially awesome. The Ballads are especeially good. This guy is the reincarnation of Dizzy only better!!!

I also really liked Paquito D'Rovera's new album recorded Live at the Blue Note.

I have waited for this album in about two months now, and I got it yesterday. I`m a BIG Arturo fan but this is not good man... I watched the DVD and I couldn`t belive it, I just wanted to cry. It do not sound like my hero at all... And its not so much trumpet playing here... Sorry Arturo, I love all yor recordings but this is just bad and boring....But he is still my hero....