Customer Reviews

Out of the Shadows

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

 

 

This is not a CD, it is a "performance" that you wished would never end. Mr. Vadala does it all on Tenor, Alto, Soprano, and Flute, from Original to Classic Jazz, and if he isn't blowing you away, he's breaking your heart.

The first cut, "Out of the Shadows," written by Chris Vadala, involves some wonderful haunting instrumentalism and a lot of fresh ideas, all of which bring you in to the performance itself. "Club Contrafact" is just awesome. The flute pieces are are a great surprise, too, and contribute to defining the mood of this, at times, very intimate performance. Many times "backup" just gets lost, but Mr. Vadala brings it out in this CD in a way that makes every one brighter and real.

He plays some very well known and truly wonderful pieces, and makes them all new again and better, if that is possible. "In a Sentimental Mood" is a favorite that Mr. Vadala transcends with his clarity and emotion. There is a style here that, for the lack of a better word, "pulses" as it pierces your heart, and then, he takes you for a dance in "Sambelissa" that is filled with passion, the kind of passion that he brings to this entire album. "Quintessence" is, possibly, the best piece, but "Footprints" fits Mr. Vadala's shoes perfectly. He is an absolutely brilliant instrumentalist and Jazz person. "Shadows Coda" asks you back, even though one didn't want to leave.

As the woodwind guru of the acclaimed Chuck Mangione Band for years, Chris Vadala has truly developed a great reputation. He is currently a Professor at the University of MD, an in-demand clinician for the Selmer Co., and an absolutely outstanding person. I have had this CD now for about 8 months...and it rarely stays in it's case for more than a day or two. The versatility that Mr. Vadala brings to the table on this album is remarkable. His sound, especially on the sax (alto/tenor/and soprano), is truly an example of mastering one's instrument. After having the pleasure of meeting him at clinic's for my high school jazz band, and hearing this man play, I recommend this album without reservation. You will not be disapointed...that is, if you love and appreciate great music!

This CD is great. I went to his concert last night and it was awesome! It's entergetic and exciting in the upbeat songs, and soothing and relaxing in the slow songs. Buy this CD!

This is not a CD, it is a "performance" that you wished would never end. Mr. Vadala does it all on Tenor, Alto, Soprano, and Flute, from Original to Classic Jazz, and if he isn't blowing you away, he's breaking your heart. The first cut, "Out of the Shadows," written by Chris Vadala, involves some wonderful haunting instrumentalism and a lot of fresh ideas, all of which bring you in to the performance itself. "Club Contrafact" is just awesome. The flute pieces are are a great surprise, too, and contribute to defining the mood of this, at times, very intimate performance. Many times "backup" just gets lost, but Mr. Vadala brings it out in this CD in a way that makes every one brighter and real. He plays some very well known and truly wonderful pieces, and makes them all new again and better, if that is possible. "In a Sentimental Mood" is a favorite that Mr. Vadala transcends with his clarity and emotion. There is a style here that, for the lack of a better word, "pulses" as it pierces your heart, and then, he takes you for a dance in "Sambelissa" that is filled with passion, the kind of passion that he brings to this entire album. "Quintessence" is, possibly, the best piece, but "Footprints" fits Mr. Vadala's shoes perfectly. He is an absolutely brilliant instrumentalist and Jazz person. "Shadows Coda" asks you back, even though one didn't want to leave.

Reuben Ryder - Cornwall, New York

As the woodwind guru of the acclaimed Chuck Mangione Band for years, Chris Vadala has truly developed a great reputation. He is currently a Professor at the University of MD, an in-demand clinician for the Selmer Co., and an absolutely outstanding person. The versatility that Mr. Vadala brings to the table on this album is remarkable. His sound, especially on the sax (alto/tenor/and soprano), is truly an example of mastering one's instrument. After having the pleasure of meeting him at clinic's for my high school jazz band, and hearing this man play, I recommend this album without reservation. You will not be disapointed... that is, if you love and appreciate great music!

Paul Latanishen - Dundalk, Maryland

I first became aware of this CD about a year or so ago and it took me quite a bit of time to finally track down a copy.

The good news is that it was well worth the search as this CD is simply fantastic!!

The other good news is that it looks as if "Out of the Shadows" is being released on Art of Life Records in February of 2008 and will finally be back in print and easy to find and order.

I see that the recording is also available in the form of MP3 digital downloads via Amazon now which is also nice to see.

I highly recommend this CD. Vadala's arrangements of songs by Wayne Shorter, Quincy Jones, Duke Ellington and Freddie Hubbard are superb not to mention the fact that he is performing all of the tenor, soprano and alto sax parts in addition to flute, alto flute, clarinet and bass clarinet parts.

Chris also contributes three original compositions to this recording which prove that he's as prolific a composer as he is a player.

For those of you who missed this the fist time it came out in 1999, now's your chance to pick up this CD complete with brand new artwork and packaging.

Chris Vadala plays with more passion than I've ever heard. he can take one note and phrase it in a way that can almost bring tears to your eyes. I had the pleasure of performing with him last year, and he was SO incredible. I have yet to hear his CD, but if Chris did it, it MUST be good.

Well I haven't heard this record either, but it's Chris Vadala's, so it must be great. I have played with him too and he definately one heck of a good sax player and just and all-around great guy. Buy It!