Customer Reviews

Priority

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
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While it is nearly impossible to capture every possible nuance and variable of this music known as jazz in one CD recording, Orbert Davis' Priority does an excellent job of covering a considerable amount of territory. No, this is not the diluted, elevator and shopping mall variety of "smooth jazz" of the modern day muzak variety. This stuff cooks, with a full bodied flavor for those with a taste for the good stuff. There are tasteful renderings of the established masters, Miles Davis' Miles Ahead, and Wayne Shorter's Scourin'. The former is arranged for sextet while the latter showcases Orbert with a stellar trio Ryan Cohan on piano, James Cammack on bass and Ernie Adams on drums. The four-piece grouping also lets everyone shine on Bill Wither's Ain't No Sunshine, with John Whitfield on bass. A duet with Davis and Cohan on Louis Armstrong's Weatherbird does a marvelous job of bringing back the elements of a "bygone" era for anew generation of listeners.

There are some hard-driving quintet arrangements featuring Ari Brown on sax, another Chicago treasure (tracks 1, 3, and 4). On tracks 5 and 6 Tracy Kirk on trombone takes the groove to an even higher level. Then, on track 10, it gets even more elaborate with a septet arrangement, featuring Zachary Brock on jazz violin.

Maybe your thing is vocalese, with solos sung as lyrics or scatted in mocking mimickry of actual instruments. On track 7, The Double Blues, Chicagoan Kurt Elling will fill the bill for you. Midnight in Bahia is the next track, with Elling sharing voacl duties with another Chicagoan, the sultry Bobbi Wilsyn.

Out of the CD's 12 compositions, Davis wrote four and co-wrote two with his partner in crime and Executive Producer Mark Ingram. In my opinion, these guys have produced an outstanding project for "old school, die-hard jazz afficionados" which should be getting a lot more attention than it is. It's a treasure. It's a well-kept secret. It's the good stuff!!!

While it is nearly impossible to capture every possible nuance and variable of this music known as jazz in one CD recording, Orbert Davis Priority does an excellent job of covering a considerable amount of territory. No, this is not the diluted, elevator and shopping mall variety of "smooth jazz" of the modern day muzak variety. This stuff cooks, with a full bodied flavor for those with a taste for the good stuff. There are tasteful renderings of the established masters, Miles Davis Miles Ahead, and Wayne Shorters Scourin. The former is arranged for sextet while the latter showcases Orbert with a stellar trio Ryan Cohan on piano, James Cammack on bass and Ernie Adams on drums. The four-piece grouping also lets everyone shine on Bill Withers Aint No Sunshine, with John Whitfield on bass. A duet with Davis and Cohan on Louis Armstrongs Weatherbird does a marvelous job of bringing back the elements of a "bygone" era for anew generation of listeners.
There are some hard-driving quintet arrangements featuring Ari Brown on sax, another Chicago treasure (tracks 1, 3, and 4). On tracks 5 and 6 Tracy Kirk on trombone takes the groove to an even higher level. Then, on track 10, it gets even more elaborate with a septet arrangement, featuring Zachary Brock on jazz violin.

Maybe your thing is vocalese, with solos sung as lyrics or scatted in mocking mimickry of actual instruments. On track 7, The Double Blues, Chicagoan Kurt Elling will fill the bill for you. Midnight in Bahia is the next track, with Elling sharing voacl duties with another Chicagoan, the sultry Bobbi Wilsyn.

Out of the CDs 12 compositions, Davis wrote four and co-wrote two with his partner in crime and Executive Producer Mark Ingram. In my opinion, these guys have produced an outstanding project for "old school, die-hard jazz afficionados" which should be getting a lot more attention than it is. Its a treasure. Its a well-kept secret. Its the good stuff!!!

I got this album when I was only 19... and for a teen who doesn't listen to Jazz as much as they should, I really enjoyed it. I found myself playing it during the times that I would usually listen to something more contemporary or urban. It's a must have for anyone who loves Jazz or is exploring music within the genre. If I had five thumbs to put up... this album would get them.

This is a must for any jazz lover. This cd is destined to become a classic. Orbert's trumpet is pure! The compositions are smooth. The blend of the band is superb. I heard Orbert and his band in Chicago and the album translates their energy, quality and passion for the music. You have to order this cd today. You will love it!

Highest quality musicianship, handles Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, Bill Withers tunes flawlessly and has created some wonderful originals on this CD. And as a bonus - he's a great guy - saw him twice recently in Chicago and he's GENUINE. Buy it, you'll enjoy it!! ---- reviewed by Jazz lover, Mingus5053

Only within the last year have I been lucky enough to become acquainted with Mr. Davis' musical stylings. And my musical palette is all the richer for it.

As the president of a local jazz society, and hard-core aficionado, my leanings are toward "jazz as a point of focus" and not the "unoffensive background noise" many seek from the genre. I want to hear something that tantalizes me, that stimulates my grey matter, that makes an artistic connection between human beings. Davis more than meets those demands.

The variety of influences on the album are daunting and delighting. The ghosts of Mario Bauza, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, Bobby Timmons, Lee Morgan, and even Louis Armstrong haunt the compilation's forays into a variety of genres. Whether its the jumping ascension of minor thirds on the title track (reminiscent of "Giant Steps"), the breakneck pace of "Relentless," the hard bop voicings of "Block Party," the cool tones of "Miles Ahead," or the recreation of Pops' standard "Weatherbird," everything Davis touches comes alive with exquisite tone, range, and chops. The presence of Blue Note star Kurt Elling, first rate production values, and superb sidemen add to the volatility of the mix.

In contrast to the miasma of instrumental R&B that is increasingly pushed as "smooth" jazz, Davis toes the line of risk necessary to the vitality of the music. Hence the frequent insertion of his tracks into the line-up of my weekly radio show. In a playlist consisting of the true giants of jazz, Orbert Davis more than measures up with flair and strength.

I heartily recommend the inclusion of this refreshing artist in the collection of any fan. Even more fervently, I advise anyone with the opportunity to definitely catch Davis in concert. The presence and power of his message is unmistakable and invigorating. His recent appearance in our town was easily the finest offering heard here since Dizzy Gillespie played our town over a decade ago.

I listen to music everyday and it is very refreshing to listen to quality sounds that are rendered by someone who has truly dedicated his gift of playing to his creator. This album, much to my surprise gave a variety within the confines of a single choice. I went to the roaring twenties, moved through to the sixties, came by way of the eighties and then was engaged in a little modern day traditional "Orbert" sounds. When he plays that horn it is no doubt that he has set his "Priorities" in place and I just only hope he shares as much time with his family as his music gives my mind the inclination that he sleeps with his instrument.
If you like Jazz or you are being indoctrinated this album opens your mind to the sweet sound of music, an escape from the noise of someone banging on some electronic make-shift of an instrument. I like the sounds that resonate through the very rehearsed music that instrumentally moved through the airwaves.

God bless you Orbert and continue to give your gift back to God so that us listeners can continue to be blessed by the commitment you have made and the "Priority" you have set in your life. Thank you :)

'MOSS' (Man Of South Shore)

I have just discovered jazz music in the last year. My first jazz CD was Miles Davis. If you are a Miles Davis or Herbie Hancock fan you will like this CD. "Priority" is thoroughly enjoyable to listen to. It is a excellent combination of classical jazz with a smooth easy listening texutre. Imagine sitting outside with the stereo on, grilling food with friends, a cool breeze blowing, a glass of tea in hand then place Orbert's CD "Priority" on the stereo and the atmosphere is complete. The CD starts off with an upbeat tiltle song "Priority". The instrumentation is distinct and clear with Orbert on the trumpet. His talent is equal to Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong. "Ask Me Nicely" is a relaxing song with great horn and piano parts. I love listening to this music with friends; a truly enjoyable experience. Another song that continues the theme is "Block Party", a very head moving, body groving song! Orbert Davis is a talented musician as well as gifted song writer; this CD is the evidence as well as the testimony to his character as a musician. Usually, when I purchase a CD there are a couple of songs I don't like, not with this CD. I must admit though, my favorite song is the remake of the Bill Withers "Ain't no Sunshine"--Love It, !!!!! Midnight in Bahia is very sultry sexy song and the Vocals of Kurt Elling are perfect. He is a talent also. This CD is worth the money if you are a established jazz fan or a new jazz fan. A CD collection is not complete without it. It is a must have. No kidding!!!!!!

Priority is one of the best Jazz CDs I have listened to. Orbert Davis does some marvelous trumpet work here and makes this a real pleasure to listen to. Grab some wine, turn down the lights, and let your ears feast on this fine collection of almost 75 minutes of music. This CD is a must for anyone who enjoys Jazz.