Customer Reviews

Next to You

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

 

 

I was very excited when the CD "Next To You" arrived in the mail, with all the expectation I generated after reading the 3 great reviews people posted here at Amazon, I popped it into the player right away. As much as I respect every musician's work, however, I have to say I am a bit of disappointed about this album. It is no doubt Marion Meadows is a very talented artist, but even though the CD contain tracks like "Miami," "Blue Cactus," "La Samba" and other hyper rhythm piece, I still found Marion is playing his music on a mild tone, in every song! In other words, I don't feel there are aggressive notes, high and low, or even an emotional moment in any track. They are just...well...ordinary, nothing appealing to me especially after I already have enough CDs like that. The most passionate and emotional sax player I have listened to is Art Porter (Grover Washington Jr. is another example), whose music can almost touch my inner feeling in a very profound way. Deep thoughts and personal emotion is what I hear from Art Porter's music. "Blue Cactus" really has a mix style of Chuck Loeb and Art Porter which I enjoyed much. Actually the track "Any Time Any Place" and "Look inside" off Marion's CD kind of reminded me Art Porter, and that's what triggered me purchasing the album, but a little disappointed about the overall experience afterwards. I believe my taste is a little too picky and the comments are critical, but as an advice, I'd say sample the CD first from a friend, record store or even see if you can download a few tracks off the net, then decide. If you don't have a lot of jazz CDs, this album will be a good one to have for your collection, but I can only give a three star rating even despite the fact it's a HDCD.

I have been a fan of Marion Meadows for years and years and have all of his albums. When I first heard this new album, Next to You, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It's Marion Meadows TIMES gazillion. It's fun to hear how someone you think you've known so well for so long get better and better - truly amazing. My favorite cut on "Next to You" - - - ALL OF THEM! Buy it and enjoy!

The song Next To You is worth it!! I love the whole cd!! Marion Meadows does not get enough air time. Listen to his cds, you will find something you love! I have five so far.

The opening number "Miami" is full of energy. Marion's smooth sax is up front and captivating. Julio Fernandez does an outstanding presentation with his acoustic guitar and Marion is very funky on the track "Carousel". Ray Obiedo is very prominent on this work, not only in writing the songs, but in performing them with his unique artistry as a keyboard master. Don't miss George Duke's work "No Rhyme, No Reason" for all of you "Duke fans". It's worth every bit of every note.

"Then came the beauty of your smile, your eyes did find your soul inside. You showed me life and destiny, in ways my heart could never see...So come lay close and let me be, the friend and lover that you need. I want to take you far away, beyond the walls of ecstasy. So many possibilities, no limits to what we can be. Let's love until our days are through, I want to Spend My Life with you." WOW!!! A second chance at love, love song. What a beautiful song. Who wrote those lovely words? Who is playing that wonderful sax,(smile)? Love, and being in love, is so beautiful.

How in the world, will Marion be able to top this one? It is absolutely perfect,(not part of it, but the entire cd). From Miami to La samba, I could listen to it all day long and never grow tired. If one could live by music, I guess I could live forever. Thank you Marion for sharing your music.

I was a little disappointed with this release. It seemed to lack a certain something. However, I really like his cover of Rahsaan Patterson's It's Alright Now. This is the only Marion Meadows CD I own. Perhaps I should get a couple more to really be fair to him because I know there has to be something better than this out there.