Customer Reviews

Now & Forever

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

 

 

I never heard of the Braxton Brothers before this album. Sure, there have been many middle of the road jazz albums that have been churned out by the likes of the Kenny Gs and the Dave Benoits of the world, but somehow there's something a little different in this album.

In many of the songs, I hear a yearning, a melancholic inner voice woven into the songs of these albums. If you are a masochist like me and love the pain of missing and loving someone, this is the one for you.

These two musicians put their hearts and soul into their music... its sincere... Sure its middle of the road jazz, but there are just times when you want that comforting and familiar musical phrase, times when you don't want to have to concentrate and listen too hard to uncover just what that tune is being played.

I love, "Just Believe", for its quiet simplicity, "Now and Forever" is a pleasantly sweet yet not saccharin tune. My favourite is "Before You", its a painfully beautiful tune, a yearning tune.

If you want a pleasant jazz album, familiar yet not cliche, sweet yet deep, then get this album. I did.

These guys give a great show live! I've heard all of the songs on this disc in a concert setting and, hard as it may be to believe (no thanks to the "radio-friendliness" of this CD), these guys really can play jazz!!!

We can only hope that as the Braxton Brothers continue to grow, they will get more say in how to present their music. Some "smooth jazz" gets too syrupy for it's own good.

Just bought this CD and it may be the best I've heard this year. If you like smooth and funky, look no further. The Braxton Brothers defintely have a fresh new approach. So much talent! I can't wait to see them in concert.

I happened to sample this album at HMV and boy was I taken off immediately! It had all the groove I wanted and I must say that Track 11 is especially good....excellent for midnight listening

Since discovering the brothers in 1998, I have become one of their most devoted fans. We saw them in person at the Smooth Jazz on the Bay concert in May, in St. Petersburg, and I must tell you we were totally blown away. By both their skill with their instruments, and also by their style and laid back cool. I also love the fact that they write their own material. How often do you see and hear something so awesome, from musicians so young. I eagerly await their next project. Thanks guys for a wonderful Live Jazz Experience!!!!

P.S. Whenever I browse the web Steppin' Out or Now and Forever are always in my CD player. (smile)

What an incredible follow up to their first CD Steppin Out, although most of the same chemistry between the two twin brothers, they do break some new ground and keep their smooth signature sound strong.

Are you one of those who only 'test-drive' the first few tracksof a CD before buying? Be warned: this album goes downhill right afterthe third number. If you are still keen on getting this CD, make sure you know what you're paying for by starting your sampling from track 4 instead. Rating: *one star for the first three tracks *another star for the (gorgeous) inlay card design

I expected more from the brothers with the new album. But, it is just another contemporary jazz album. It is not a bad album. It is just not musically sophisticated.

There are records you have to listen to several times before you get completely hooked up. Anyone that says the contrary isn't sincere. I have listened to this album several times (first impression wasn't great) and I just can't find anything particularly seducing or catchy in it. Tracks one and two are just "o.k.", but then, each track is linear. You listen to 30 seconds and you know what the other 4 minutes are going to be like... That goes on from track 3 to track 10. Just listen to track 7 for instance and listen to the lyrics : "all my love is just for you, all my love is just for you, all my love is just for you.....". All this makes of this album one of the less relevant in its genre released during 1999. Unfortunately for the Braxton Brothers, who look like they're good fellas.

If you really want a good sax in this style, go to Gerald Albright or even Kirk Whalum. And a bass ? well, Marcus Miller, Brian Bromberg, etc.