Customer Reviews

Paris Blue (Dig)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Kyle Eastwood could rest on the laurels of his famous last name. After all, he is the son of actor | director Clint Eastwood. But Kyle is an accomplished jazz bassist with a following all his own.

1998's From There To Here was Kyle's debut that paid respect to the jazz he was raised on. Joni Mitchell did a memorable cover of Marvin Gaye's Trouble Man. The cd gained Eastwood plenty of fans because it was an impressive effort of classic jazz.

Paris Blue is the latest release from Kyle Eastwood. He charts new territory with a mix of traditional and contemporary jazz. His roots remain in jazz but this time Kyle experiments with different flavors.

Le Pont Royal and Solferino recall early Blue Note. There's a hint of smooth jazz with the hip-bop Muse and funk-heavy Cosmo. Marrakech, inspired by a trip to Morocco, has an ambient world music vibe to it.

Father Clint makes a cameo appearance whistling on Big Noise From Winnetka, a dance floor remake of the old Bob Crosby | Bob Haggart swing hit. Clint suggested Kyle record a new version after playing him the original 78 rpm recording. The result is a hip, retro feeling tune that remains true to the original.

There are two remixes included on Paris Blue that are sure to make some jazz purists cringe. Big Noise From Winnetka is remixed into an upbeat house track. There's also an urban flavored remix of Marrakech.

This guy is an excellent bassist standing on his with own two feet. If you gravitate towards modal Kind of Blue jazz with an injection of high energy, then this CD will fulfill your intellectual fancy whilst tapping your conservative toe. Beautifully recorded with a great acoustic overall tone with that 'live off the floor' sound. No slouches on this record, top self musicianship and even a tasteful yet brief cameo appearance from a whistling tough guy.

The more I listen the more I like it! It is NOT contempoary Jazz if that means Jazz Lite, if it means created now then yes.

Very much based, thank goodness, on mainstream Jazz, despite a number of new tunes by the artist, in traditional modes.
Starts off with a spirited version Big Noise (and father Clint whistling) which repeats in a remixed version at the end which is even more compelling. Marrakesh is exotic, with a sensuous soprano sax like a charmed cobra and again it's a tossup whether the original or remix at the end are better.

Tunes range from funk to late night moody. Always thought provoking, never out of control. All are compelling, especially the title track.

Equalization mix on bass is humpy in upper register.

I was at Best Buy purchasing the Possibilities cd (Herbie Hancock--very nice!), and seen this cd, so I went over to the kiosk to check the samples. I was blown away. I bought it, and started listening to it. My favorite cut is 'Big Noise'. It is funky! (his dad has a cameo on this track--yep, Clint Eastwood) If you are a fan of straight ahead jazz (like myself), you will enjoy this cd. Jim Rotondi's trumpet blends nicely in every track he appears on. A must buy for you straight ahead/mainstream jazz lovers.

Kyle Eastwood is amazing. I can see he gets his Miles Davis influence from his father. I am very please with this CD.

I love this album - Paris is the perfect backdrop for this album. Kyle Eastwood does a phenomenal job bringing us a modern sounding jazz album. Conveying a busy, romantic, and noir feel in his music.

Although I knew the actor's son became a jazz bassist, I had never heard his recordings before finding this one in a local music store's bargain bin. For the price I paid, I got a great deal. The other reviews posted are accurate...the CD mixes attitude, tone and style from reminders of the '50's to nearly too-subtle "smooth jazz" to an "ethnic/world music" vibe. However, it is interesting throughout, and while I liked half the tracks much better than the other half, there is nothing offensive here. I have a limited music budget, and likely won't be buying Kyle items at full retail, but if I see any more of his work in a discount bin, I will grab it. Those who like jazz will discover that the younger famous Eastwood is a serious musician with talent, not someone trading off a celebrity name.

This CD is excellent! I stumbled across it while looking for Joe Sample's latest CD. I listened to short samples while in the store and was hooked! Although I love the entire CD my favorite tracks are Big Noise from Winnetka, Marrakech, Le Pont Royal and the two remixes of the first two tracks. They should invent a whole new jazz category because this is not lite jazz (contemporary) or traditional jazz.