Customer Reviews

Other Hours: Connick on Piano 1

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

 

 

This is not a Connick vocal album, this is a straight ahead jazz session, where connick finally cuts loose and shows the jazz world what he is capable of(he hasn't showed this much promise as a jazzman since 1997's To see You). Connick no longer sounds just like a Thelonious monk. Connick stretches out on these originals, it would have been mice for him to include astandard or two but this cd wil lshow there is more to Connick as a jazz improvisor than one might think. I hope he'll do another big band vocal album next m but with standards(like Come By Me).

Great on CD - better live, this is Harry leading a fine jazz quartet playing serious jazz music. Nice to hear Harry branch out in this way, and looking forward to more of the same. Good stuff.

First off, Ned Goold sounds like Rouse. Secondly, Harry Connick Jr., while best know for his singing, is a monster on the piano player, as evidenced on this album. This album not only showcases Connick's excellent compistion skills, it also presents a quartet with a great group concept. I think of Monks quartet everytime I hear it. It belongs on the shelf of anyone that has the ability to actually hear jazz. Branford Marsalis should be commended for releasing this album that major labels most liekly wouldn't touch because it is not accessible to the masses.

This album takes you back to a martini bar scene in a classic movie. Harry shows his versatility again in this album, as he opens the door to even more new things. The only downside is that you wont get to hear his great voice, as it is instrumental.

When one thinks of Harry Connick Jr. one thinks of his wonderful voice and charisma. What people don't realize is that he is also an accomplished and underrated pianist. In this album, Connick and his quartet deliver soothing tracks that simply remind you of the great quartets and quintets of yesteryear (i.e. Miles Davis and company). If one would listen to this album blindly, most mainstream fans wouldn't know that it was Connick tickling the ivory. But yet again, Connick proves that his talents extend far beyond his singing voice.

Kudos!!

This is a great Jazz record that is reminiscent of all the classics truly. It has a bit of Monk, but especially plenty of Brubeck / Desmond. The band is tight as hell, the phrasing is beautiful, moreover, the record is edgy. It wants to take you somewhere, dark but with a purpose.

My recent purchase of Harry's 'Chanson du Vieux Carre' and its painfully talented performances reminded me that I better make sure I didn't miss any other discs from Mr. Connick. After reading the reviews here, I picked up 'Other Hours' right away. (I already knew that Mrmaxxx, reviewer below, doesn't know what he is talking about.) Wow. I had overlooked a genius album.

The album art, a piece by Harry Connick Jr.'s mother, Anita, accurately depicts the overall feel of the album. It is a feeling of slight tragedy/melancholy but with some confidence and hope.

The music is dry. There is little flash here. But I do believe this is Harry's finest songwriting effort to date. That is not to say that performances are uninspired. The music successfully demonstrates both chops (oh yes) and a musical story. It's a feel piece, for sure. And it swings hard for a quartet.

Lofty's Roach Souffle, a Connick Trio album from the '90's has a much more lighthearted feeling. Be aware that Other Hours is much more in the vein of West Coast Cool.

You will get your money's worth out of this one. I've heard it a half dozen times and am still hearing it like it's new. Pop it in, kick back, sip whatever you enjoy sippin', and relish it.

This is a great addition to your jazz collection. Don't hesitate any further, you will be glad you did...

I've followed Harry for years and have always enjoyed his albums because each one has a slightly different sound from the rest. This latest CD is light, has gentle compositions, and is also swingin' fun. It puts me in the mood for dancing under the stars or curling up by the fire. I think it's about time Harry did a CD like this.

I listened to the samples of Harry Connick's cd on Amazon.com and to be frank, the samples sounded pretty boring. Since this Harry Connick cd was one of the few cd's offered by Branford Marsalis' music company, Marsalis Music, I wrote to Marsalis Music and asked them why they would choose to release such tepid music. Branford Marsalis emailed me back, and noted that he felt strongly about Harry's cd. So I decided to buy it, and give it a chance.

Well, its tough for me to listen to this cd all they way through in one listen. The tunes sound more like composition excercises, and the improvisation is not exciting, or even interesting. When Harry Connick first started out, his piano playing sounded like it was influenced by Monk to me...now it sounds more like a Dave Brubeck influence. The sax player, Ned Goold, has a soft tone, and perhaps that is inviting a Brubeck/Desmond comparison in my mind.

I'm not a big fan of the Modern Jazz Quartet either. Harry's music on this cd reminds of the MJQ in this way: Harry has obviously put some time into crafting his compositions, but while listening to this cd, I feel the same kind of tension I do while listening to the MJQ, waiting for something to happen!

If you are looking for a cd of good instrumental jazz, I'd look elsewhere. If you are interested in Harry Connick, I'd suggest going with one of his big band albums where at least you get to hear him sing.