Customer Reviews

Now Is the Time

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bottom line: this isn't an ode to the classic JLF. I'm disappointed, hence only 2 stars. Why JL would append his legendary group's moniker to a record that is so obviously not fusion is beyond me. I don't care if he has fusion stalwarts like Vinnie Colaiuta and Jimmy Haslip holding down the rhythm section...and they are two of my favorite all/old-timers! This is just another one of JL's post-80s studio generated, smooth jazz records. Even with the horn section(which I don't particularily care for either) this record somehow lacks the 'band feel' of the early JLF. The early JLF was about Jeff and his keys interacting with a funky, super-tight, jazz-inclined rhythm section. Wizard Island and Galaxian actually made Gorelick sound jazzy at times. (Of course I'm talking about you, Kenny G). Rather, this recording sounds like polished musicians pulling punches to get radio play.

Perhaps Jeff should take a note from Stanley Clarke. His new record not only has the band feel, but is also a fusion record...for real.

Ask me, I think Jeff just likes being able to hear himself play for a change. Fusion cats tend to play loud.

Again, don't let the 'Fusion' moniker fool you. This is just another JL smooth jazz record.

I purchased this cd today when I saw the artist listed as Jeff Lorber Fusion and rightly or wrongly I was expecting them to bring it like when my buddy Bobby Harris turned me on to them 30 years ago and the classic trilogy of WaterSign, Wizard Island and Galaxian was released. Especially when I saw the track listing contained remakes of some JLF classics AND a Weather Report cover! Unfortunately, I must report that while this is a nice cd, enjoyable, overall it was a disappointment because it shares more with today's smooth jazz (of which Jeff Lorber is a master) than it does with the original JLF. Especially since there are 4 or 5 vocal cuts. If you're only familiar with Jeff Lorber since the late 80's and beyond, you'll love the cd. If you go way back to days of the original Jeff Lorber Fusion, beware.

Jeff Lorber is one of the very few Jazz Funk and Smooth Jazz artists who has successfully straddled both eras.

This is a killer fusion album that his longtime fans will like and that should make him some new fans in the process.

He inundates himself with expert players and vocalists, which only add to his genius and succeed in making you feel so relaxed that all your cares just melt away with each stanza.

In fact some great jazz cats join in : (American Idol band ) guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr., saxophonist Eric Marienthal, bassist Jimmy Haslip, trumpeter Randy Brecker, drummers Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl, the Blood, Sweat and Tears Horns, vocalist Irene B and many other great players from the Smooth Jazz arena.

This CD, which includes "new' takes of some of his tracks from previous recordings and covers of some favourite tunes will make listeners just feel good.

Each track has a lively tone to it and has instruments like keyboards and alto and tenor saxophones that will gladden any fan of smooth jazz and Jazz Funk.

"Now is The Time" is proof of that in itself with tracks like "Black Ice", "Chinese Medicinal Herbs", "Water Sign" and "Sumatra" having that Fusion feel and would not have been out of place on Lorber's early 80's albums for Arista.

"Dr Moy", which features Rufus guitarist Tony Maiden and percussion heavyweight Lenny Castro, is totally funky and there are two vocal tracks "Sugar Free" and "Curtains/ Before We Go", showcasing the sensual, sweet singing of Irene B.

As usual, the legendary fusion keyboard player has returned with a typically polished set of good time grooves, but it is the overall feel of this set that is impressive..

My favourite tracks are: "Mysterious Traveller", "Chinese Medicine Herbs" amd "Water Signs".

Sorry, nice try Jeff, but this doesn't come close to the band that I snuck, under-age, into Portland's Ray's Helm bar to see... I was very excited to see the name "Jeff Lorber Fusion" surface again, and was looking forward to new renditions of those old great songs, but this CD falls short. Great players, but they don't pop like the old band, don't seem to have the cohesion of the old guys. Where's Lester McFarland when you need him? This may be a great smooth jazz album, but sadly doesn't have the feel of the JLF from late 70s.

Wizard Island was the album that made me a Jeff Lorber fan back in 1980. Lorber, Bradford, Wilson, and Kenny G (before he had his, uh, last name surgically removed) created what to my mind was the protoype of jazz/rock fusion. That LP/cassette/disc/mp3 has been on heavy rotation in my life for nearly 30 years.

Since West Side Stories, I have also appreciated the remakes of older Lorber cuts on each album. Everybody else is sampling Lorber's work, why shouldn't he?

This collection does an excellent job of harkening back to the original JLF with some excellent upgrades like the BS&T horn section and modern recording technology. It maintains the jazz feel and rocks harder. If you liked the direction Lorber was heading with Heard That, you will like this album.

I haven't been a fan of most of the vocalists Lorber has worked with (Karyn White excepted), but Irene B gets the concept of the album and brings a fresh take on the classics, too.

And doesn't Jimmy Haslip make every album he plays on better? (Go back and listen to Bruce Hornsby's Harbor Lights after you listen to this album.)

Very nice CD. JL is a great musician and plays with others excellent musicians. This cd propose a different music that we are used to, but it is certainly a great value.

An enjoyable album of Jeff's group...Great to hear him again after

attending his SF Jazz performance last December in San Francisco.

Wow. Listened to this CD after receiving it on today. It's awesome right off the bat. Start to finish. There is a lot of originality and the music is not commercial sounding. Very organic and from the heart. Great musical arrangements along with a great sounding vocalist. Glad to add this to my collection.

Nice music overall. I think he needs more jazz and R&B vocalists. Irene b has a nice sound, but I would like to hear vocalists like Karyn White, Patti Austin, or maybe Sade on the album. Jeff sounds better live anyways. I recommend a concert with Jeff Lorber, Norman Brown, a great bass player and any saxophonist.

If you've ever been a fan of Jeff Lorber you'll need to have this cd. Monster grooves.