5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome jazz!, July 2, 2011
This review is from: Music for Planets, People & Washing Machines (Audio CD)
Often a musician's debut album speaks volumes about the quality and character of the performer. This certainly holds true in Randy Bernsen's case. Rarely has a debut been as auspicious as Randy's "Music for Planets, People and Washing Machines". This quality offering has the feel of something you'd expect more from a seasoned pro than a debut.
Is it jazz? is it rock? It doesn't really matter with the brilliant songwriting and serious musical chops. It's so refreshing to revel in the tunes without categorizing.
With the likes of Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock, Othello Mollineau and Peter Erskine on the roster of musicians one would expect some fine moments. What is unexpected is so many original, inventive and sophisticated songs penned by Randy himself. It's interesting to see that the top quality musicians never overshadow Randy's compositions or leadership.
Randy's guitar work is unique. He shows that he can be flashy but more often than not chooses to let the composition take center stage over any flash. His use of effects is never gimmicky, rather he reaches for the emotional possibilities a full range of sounds has to offer.
Randy has released several CDs of the same high quality over the years; this fits in and has none of the awkward feel of a debut.
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0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Memorable only for Jaco, March 7, 2005
This review is from: Music for Planets, People & Washing Machines (Audio CD)
Randy Bernsen was awfully lucky to have known Jaco well enough to have recorded a few tunes with him. And they are a FEW tunes. The standout on this record (responsible for both of the stars up there) is Olde Hats, a romping big band number featuring Peter Erskine, Bobby Thomas and Othello Molineaux, plus the University of Miami Big Band.. and oh yeah, Randy Bernsen. Its sound is straight from the Word of Mouth Big Band, and Jaco is prominent. I think this one song is the only reason to own the album. The other song Jaco plays on is Windsong, an instrumental with a female woo-woo vocal that just gets more annoying as the precious seconds pass. The rest of the album, not worth the time.
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