Customer Reviews

Matt's Mood

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Old bands reuniting twenty years later can really spell trouble, but for Matt Bianco it's proven to be a freaking great idea, and Matt's Mood demonstrates the monster talents of its original lineup. It's a fantastic amalgam of pop, jazz, swing, Latin, retro, lounge, spy, even chill, thrown into a great spin. It won't shock fans of Basia's solo work, yet it has plenty of surprises, and heads in a notably jazz-oriented direction. You can hear influences from Brazil '66 to Manhattan Transfer to soundtracks from swinging movies like Pink Panther, Mission Impossible or the James Bond series-- all done with love, not with cheap irony. These three tried this twenty years ago on the Whose Side Are You On album but Matt's Mood truly brings the sound into its own.

Danny White has become an even bigger piano virtuoso since the last Basia album. Not only does he deliver gorgeous straight piano work, he also handles the more electric-sounding keyboards and organs with finesse-- in lesser hands, the '60s feel of the music could have been turned into a schlockfest. Instead, the arrangements are complex without being overdone, and everything sounds organic even if it comes from electronic equipment. He's always been underrated and one truly hopes he gets the acclaim he's long deserved.

Basia Trzetrzelewska sounds as if eleven years had never passed, and these songs are definitely some of her best vocal work. She seems to be having a great deal of fun too, particularly on the energetic samba La Luna, while the pensive Say The Words is beautifully emotive. Her lyrics, while not as confessional as on her solo work, have enough intrigue to add another dimension to her vocals, and true to form she sings a bit in Polish, notably on Wrong Side of the Street. A couple of songs sound like lost solo tracks, but instead of relying on past glories, Basia goes far more jazzy on the rest of the album. Her voice fits right into the retro feel of songs like Kaleidoscope and Slip and Sliding. Let's hope this brilliant singer at the top of her game doesn't go into hiding again.

Hardly the least, Mark Reilly provides the swagger and the 'tude of the group. Kaleidoscope, in his hands, is a swinging bachelor pad anthem, and I Never Meant To is swoonworthy. It's not too often that someone can both compliment and contrast with another voice, but Mark does both, and it really makes the album work. His brand of cool is a necessary part of the group's chemistry, and I really hope we get to hear more of it on a future MB project with this lineup.

And if all that weren't enough, the musicians are top shelf throughout. Killer flute and sax work comes courtesy of Andrew Ross, and his solos on Matt's Mood III are just knockout. Kevin Robinson contributes right-on '60s-styled trumpet and flugelhorn arrangements. Peter White delivers lovely guitar work that fits right in with his own solo repertoire. Most have worked with MB or Basia over the years, and on this album it sounds like a gathering of friends. Especially great is the incorporation of recently unearthed baritone sax solos by the late Ronnie Ross-- absolutely ace playing.

At the same time charmingly retro and freshly current, both emotive and just plain fun to listen to, Matt's Mood is more than just the return of Basia-- it's a stunning album with a solid sound and hopefully an indication of great things to come.

Old bands rounding up their old members usually spells trouble, but for Matt Bianco it's a freaking great idea, and Matt's Mood demonstrates the monster talents of its original lineup. It's a fantastic amalgam of pop, jazz, swing, Latin, retro, lounge, spy, in both English and Polish, thrown into a great spin. It won't shock fans of either the '86-'03 Matt Bianco or of Basia's solo work, but at the same time MB changes up the game by going more retro on many tracks. You can hear influences from Brazil '66 to Manhattan Transfer to soundtracks from swinging movies like Pink Panther, Mission Impossible or the James Bond series-and all done with love, not with cheap irony. These three tried this twenty years ago on the Whose Side Are You On album and while that was quite good, Matt's Mood fulfills the promise that the first album didn't quite deliver.

Danny White has morphed into an even bigger piano virtuoso than on his last recording with Basia. Not only does he deliver gorgeous straight piano work, he also handles the more electric-keyboard and organ sounds with finesse-in lesser hands, the '60s feel of the music could have been turned into a schlockfest. Instead, the arrangements are complex without being overdone, and everything sounds organic even if it comes from electronic equipment. He's always been underrated and one truly hopes he gets the acclaim he's long deserved.

Basia Trzetrzelewska sounds as if ten years had never passed, and it could be argued that these songs are among her best vocal work. She seems to be having a great deal of fun too, particularly on La Luna, and tracks like Say The Words are beautifully done. Her lyrics, while not as confessional as on her solo work, have enough intrigue to add another dimension to her vocals, and true to form she sings a bit in Polish, making it sound sexier than French on Wrong Side of the Street. Some of the songs sound like lost solo tracks (Ordinary Day, Say The Words), but instead of relying on past glories, Basia goes far more jazzy on the rest of the album. Her voice fits right into the era-specific feel of songs like Kaleidoscope and Slip and Sliding. Let's hope this brilliant singer at the top of her game doesn't go into hiding again.

Hardly the least, Mark Reilly provides the swagger and the 'tude of the group. Kaleidoscope, in his hands, is a swinging bachelor pad anthem, and I Never Meant To is swoonworthy. It's not too often that someone can both compliment and contrast with another voice, but Mark does both, and it really makes the album work-especially on the striking Wrong Side of the Street. His brand of cool is a necessary part of the group's chemistry, and I really hope we get to hear more of it on a future MB project with this lineup.

And if all that weren't enough, the musicians are absolutely top shelf throughout. Killer flute and sax work comes courtesy of Andrew Ross, and his solos on Matt's Mood III are just knockout. Kevin Robinson meanwhile contributes right-on '60s-styled trumpet and flugelhorn arrangements, but then will go completely left field with an offbeat trumpet solo here and there (speaking of solo records, Robinson should put one out). Peter White delivers lovely guitar work that fits right in with his own solo repertoire. Most of these guys have worked with MB or Basia over the years, and on this album it sounds like the best kind of gathering of friends (as well as brothers and partners). Especially great is the incorporation of unreleased baritone sax solos by the late Ronnie Ross-absolutely ace playing.

At the same time charmingly retro and freshly current, both emotive and just plain fun to listen to, Matt's Mood is a fantastic album. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up now--even on import, it's a bargain.-

A new Matt Bianco album is always an event and Basia's return to the group doubles the joy! Golden Days is the standout track with Basia and Mark Reilly totally in sync to the upbeat, feel good, Latin beats. Please stay with the band Basia and give us more of this fabulous music. By the way what became of Mark Fisher?

It's good to hear quality music once again! Matt Bianco has always been a musically exceptional group throughout the years. I've been a fan for many years and am definitely glad they've reunited. This particular release features Basia more at the forefront at the vocals, compared to their debut release over twenty years ago. Their signature jazz-latin sound still remains. With the return of Danny White, the album has an even more of a modern film noir-like theme ("Wrong Side Of The Street" & "Kaleidoscope"). It reminds me of "Whose Side Are You On" with a touch of Basia's "The Sweetest Illusion". Other notable songs are "La Luna" (classic cha-cha sound!) and the latin swing-jive vibe of "Slip and Sliding". There are even beautifully written and arranged ballads such as "I Never Meant To" and the heartfelt "Say The Words". "Golden Day" is a bright uplifting song that reminds me of days when I would wonder around the city during the workweek. "Ordinary Day" is a great opening tune, keeping in the true bossa nova sound. The great standout is the tribute to the late great Ronnie Ross in "Ronnie's Samba" (who played mean baritone sax on the album!)It seemed as though he never left! The closer "Matts Mood III" is always a great instrumental to finish off a great CD. Overall this a great release featuring the fantastic musicianship of both Danny and Peter White as well as Kevin Robinson (Incognito) and Tim Cansfield (Swing Out Sister). The long time cohorts of Andrew Ross and Julian Crampton also appear on the CD. Even though this a big departure from recent Matt Bianco releases, this album stands out on it's own. Perhaps there's truth to the idea of comming to a full circle. Mr. Reilly and Ms. Trzetrzelewska complement each other well vocally! The band couldn't be any tighter that this! I don't know how long this will last, I'm just glad they got back together for this one. Go out and buy it!

Matt Bianco was always a band to take note of... each separate member of this group are stars in their own right. But when they come together, they make some fab sounds.

If you're a fan of the Bossa Nova sounds of Brasil, you'll immediately get the Jobim references of this album and you'll find that this is going to be your new favorite "keep in the CD changer" disc. Every track is as smooth as a cool Atlantic breeze on a Rio night!

We may not have Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 anymore, but we have the 21st Century equivilent in Matt Bianco, with the remarkable voice of Basia singing lead on the tracks, and giving you musical flavor to savor. If you appreciate this style of Jazz, congratulations, you've found Matt's Mood! But don't add this to your wish list; you need to get this disc now!

Highly Recommended.

Matt Bianco, while widely unknown in North America, released one of the most unusual debut albums of the 80s, the brilliant "Whose Side Are You On". In a decade best remembered for new wave, soul music and arena rock, this trio produced a decidedly arresting blend of jazz, be-bop, salsa and bossa nova that did manage to reach the ears of connaisseurs.

Then two of the three members dropped out - Basia and Danny White, the former starting a successful solo career, the latter helping her out on production and songwriting. Basia attracted a strong following with hits like "Time and tide" and "Cruising for bruising" on the Adult Contemporary charts. The remaining member, Mark Reilly, carried on with a few entertaining Matt Bianco albums, who did reach a certain level of success, while never quite achieving the unique blend of the original combo.

It is interesting that Basia has returned to Matt Bianco,along with Danny White, because the trio picks up where "Whose side are you on" left off, with no effort at all. It's as if they had kept on making music together during the last twenty years. The album has all the usual ups and downs of a Matt Bianco album. The ups : a delicious hybrid of salsa and bossa nova, the wonderful vocal blend of Basia and Mark Reilly, and a wide variety of moods throughout the album's ten tracks. The only downside is that the album is typically inconsistent, losing steam on the album's last two tracks. However, the album has an undeniable quality that will light up your summer days and nights. The highlight of the album is definitely "Ronnie's Samba", but there are many other strong numbers ("Ordinary day", "I never meant to", "La luna", "Golden days"). Definitely worth a listen... and worth a purchase.

It's been 18 years since Basia's first stateside hit, "Time and Tide", a jazz-pop anomaly that served up her sonorous vocals in a snappy love anthem punctuated by piano breaks. The Polish-born chanteuse is back after an 11-year recording break with her old band, Matt Bianco, and it's great to hear that voice insinuate itself into some very seductive, Brazilian-style nightclub music. As much credit has to go to vocalist Mark Reilly and keyboardist Danny White, who co-wrote all the songs with Basia, and together they perform in such an infectious manner that it reminds me of Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66 in their sixties heyday.

Both the opener "Ordinary Day" and "Say the Words" sound like classic Basia with their hip clubby coolness, the latter with nice call-and-response vocalizing between her and Reilly. Reilly himself shines on "Golden Days" surrounded by Kevin Robinson's sixties-sounding trumpets and flugelhorn, and on the finger-snapping "Kaleidoscope". "La Luna" and "Ronnie's Samba" both have that bouncy bossa nova tempo that is pretty irresistible. On the Euro-chic "Slip and Sliding", White's organ playing and the late Ronnie Ross' saxophone solo add nice Casino Royale-style swing to what is essentially a jump piece, and the sole instrumental, "Matt's Mood III", is quite a happening number that travels at a quickening pace. Even though the material has a retro tinge to it and a certain sameness does creep in at times, the performances are all very fresh and alive and warrant more attention than background at a cocktail party. Highly recommended.

From the very first note all the way through this is one lively, warm and melodic collection of very beautifully crafted, meticulously arranged and impeccably recorded songs. Basia's vocals are as good as ever, perhaps even better. Having been playing this record over and over for the past few days, I still can't get enough. None of her previous works has made such a huge impression on me, none was more enjoyable to listen to. Getting into Matt's Mood will brighten your day.

I have to say at the outset that while the original Matt Bianco album came out when I was at prime listening age, I somehow missed it completely. Therefore, I can't comment on it. But I have been a Basia fan since her "Time and Tide" days and I was eager to take a listen to this CD to catch up on the much-too-long-out-of-the-spotlight chanteuse.

One word comes to mind, "WOW." Her voice, Mark's adept stylings, Danny's fantastic fingers (and quick wit) make this CD a welcome addition to my collection. The collaboration works so well, one would might fear that, like so many other bands with such a high caliber of talent, the group might not be able to stay together for long.

In this case, I can only speculate, but I believe time must have matured these artists -- they all seem to have left their egos at the door and they truly seem to be having a wonderful time. Plainly, the music is such fun.

I understand they will be embarking on a tour, and I, for one, will take a seat in Baltimore. If they sound as good live (which I fully suspect they will), it will be completely mind-blowing.

My congratulations on the reunion and to the band I say, "Good show!"

Hi!
I feel that I have to strongly recommend this CD. I compared to their earliest releases and it is somewhat more mature and laidback. "Not so crazy" but nevertheless this title will grow on you and have you hummin along in notime!
My favourites are "Golden Days" and "Ronnie's Samba".
Think I'll have to get these Japanese only releases now.....