Customer Reviews

Low Blow

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm getting back into playing bass after many years and I've been listening to lots of CD's featuring bass players. This one is one of the best. Great groove playing, with an excellent band. Also the bass is up front in the mix without being overbearing so it makes listening to and stealing Victor's lines easy. This CD belongs in every bass player collection.

After a ten year wait, Victor Bailey, bassist for the post-Jaco Weather Report and Zawinul Syndicate, is back with his second solo effort, "Low Blow."

Bailey isn't doing anything unique, laying down funky background grooves or extended soloing, it's his fluidity switching between the two styles that exudes an almost matchless confidence and virtuosity.

"Low Blow" is also a showcase for drummers Omar Hakim and Dennis Chambers. Hakim's flowing drum technique and precise cymbal work are evident on the title track, and "Sweet Tooth."

Chambers exhibits a relentless attack on what amounts to a 5:00 drum solo on "Brain Teaser." Hakim and Chambers remind me of two drummers who ruled Jazz/Fusion during its glory days in the seventies, Lenny White and Billy Cobham.

Hakim's style complements Bailey as he finds the pocket with a funky groove, Chambers' style fits Bailey when he takes off on an aggressive solo.

Bailey also pays tribute to two of his heroes, Jaco Pastorius and Larry Graham, with the tracks "Continuum" (lyrics and vocals by Bailey) and "Graham Cracker."

Bailey's debut album, "Bottoms Up", is also worth a listen.

I more or less agree with alot of the previous reviews.

The music is ok, the musicianship is incredible.

First 3 tunes are excellent. Omar's drum solo on song 2 is incredible. He is one of the "cleanest" drummers out there. Song 3 is probably my favorite. The outro solo by Wayne Krantz is very tasty. Most of Krantz' material floating around out there is crazy over-the-top fusion with not much melody, so it's super cool to hear him jam over something a little more ear-friendly. He would just tear it up in a funk band.

Then the album goes downhill, WAY downhill. The Jaco song is just horrible. Very smooith jazz. The tunes are pretty much lackluster from then until the scorching finale.

The fusiony Latin tune has great bass solo, great guitar riffing and then Dennis doing what only he can do.

To reiterate what a previous review said, if you're a musician you'll probably love this album (at least half of it), otherwise probably not.

Victor, how's about a funk band with you, Omar, Wayne Krantz and Herbie? Just an idea...one that I'd love to see.

Victor Bailey can groove behind Madonna, Urban Knights, Zawinul, etc... but I am VERY glad Zawinul picked up Richard Bona to take his place in the Zawinul Syndicate. His song writing is much more 'bass-oriented' than it is 'musical.' His version of Continuum here is embarrassing to Jaco admirers, and his writing still leaves quite a lot to be desired.

Victor Bailey is still one of the most inspiring players I have heard. His dedication to his instrument is second to none. His bass playing is awesome on this album proving that 4 string bass players are still viable in this 6 string world. It is great to hear a bass album that does not lose sight of the bass. Any album that features Victor and Dennis Chambers is worth the time. Thank You Victor. It is so good to hear from you.

While I think he lacks the compositional skills of some of the people he has performed with, his playing is really impressive and his music goes further than just 'bass music'. The songs are not all equally interesting, but there is a coherence in the album who makes me hope for future improvements. One thing is sure: We want more of Victor Bailey! Here is a good way to find some good stuff of his.

This album is a great piece of work by a trueley fantastic bass player. Victor's composition skills are trueley first class and his playing ability compliments them well. I like his use of key changes which sound alot like some of the ones on his earlier album "Bottoms up". My favourite track is "Graham Cracker" and I enjoy playing my bass along to it. Go Victor! We're waiting for your next album!

I don't remember ever getting this CD. I couldn't find it in my collection. Don't remember giving it to anyone as a gift. It looks like a great one. I might order again? but this time track it better.

I would say that the music in this album isn't outstanding, but what's so good is the 2 drummers that Victor has chosen. Dennis Chambers and Omar Hakim are two of the best.
Especially Omar, he's the most fluent drummer I've ever heard. He has so much class when he get's behind the kit. On "Sweet Tooth", the fills are breathtaking. Is do think he's leagues ahead of everyone else with maybe a few exceptions (e.g. Gadd and Weckl). Though Dennis is an absolutely awesome drummer, I do think that Hakim makes him sound amateurish when it comes to just grooves been played. Omar is the master.
Though I got this album just for the drummers, I would recommend "Sweet Tooth" (sax playing is awful). "She Left Me" is a beautiful ballad. "Graham Cracker" is just funky!!

Buy this if you're a fusion fan, especially if you liked Weather report. Victor does remind me of Jaco a lot.

The musical spirit that VICTOR is trying to show us is like a 70's challenging mind.In this CD no easy smooth jazz is to be heard.If you want to get back to the times when WEATHER REPORT attracted the listener's ears,try this CD.Then you will realize that VICTOR himself is so obstinate type of guy.Nowadays American musical industries tend to be less challenging and they never make a contract with less commercial musicians.To me , this CD sounds like a manifestation of his genuine musical spirits.Let your heart flow like beautiful poems do.