Customer Reviews

The Process, Vol. 1

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

 

 

James McBride's artistic talent doesn't surprise anyone who has read his books or heard him play the saxophone. Surprising is the fact that the musical ride he orchestrates leaves you wanting to take the next trip--while forcing you to hit the rewind button to fully appreciate the song you just heard. Full of raw emotions and rhythms that speak to you individually, his music is almost personal. Like he knows you and has written the song just for you. "Lauren" is my absolute favorite. Thanks for sharing James.

An articulate, laid-back offering. Rather than the staccato design such a varied survey could easily be, it's a sophisticated historical journey drawn together by the common thread of the music form. A complex tapestry skillfully intertwined by a Master Weaver. Mr. McBride has told another compelling story -- this time set to music.

Rachel Z and Aziza Mustapha Zadeh are as close to "smooth jazz" as I can stomach, and I've never been a "big band" fan--more an Anthony Braxton/David S. Ware/John Zorn kind of guy. With that said, this album is sophisticated, funny and edgy. The review by "A Music Fan" is off the mark and kind of misses the point of the session.

A lush record that offers both bounce and beauty--upbeat tracks like French Girls in New York and drop-dead gorgeous ballads like The Sound of Water. Put it all together and you've got a contemporary incarnation of Ellington's big band. The players are amazing, and the sound is truly ensemble. Just a delightful CD.

I bought this cd out of curiousity after having read both of his books, "The Color of Water" and "Miracle at St. Anna". James McBrides talents seem never ending. He is an excellent composer as well as author. The virsatiliy of styles is impressive. AND he is a excellent saxophonist. Can't wait till the next cd, or book, or...? What else does he do?

Writes and plays beautifully. Enjoyed hearing him speak and am enjoying his other music.

James McBride has come to my college for the last two years to discuss his amazing bestseller "The Color of Water", a book about religion, race, and heritage. After addressing the entire college, his jazz band takes the stage and plays live jazz for about an hour. I bought this CD after the show this year, after thoroughly enjoying it last year. As a jazz pianist, I've learned to take this CD at face value - they're not trying to break new ground in jazz music. They're just having fun playing. McBride's saxophone is a pretty tone, but not anything spectacular. That being said, the music here is not corny. Some progressions and songs are predictable, but still fun and enjoyable nonetheless. After hearing them play live, I know for a fact that his band certainly has the chops to play some slammin jazz music, but it's not really featured on this CD, and it comes across more as your smooth jazz. This is a somewhat accurate appraisal, but I would urge you not to let that stop you from at least giving this CD a chance. I would also strongly recommend purchasing "The Color of Water", McBride's amazing book.

WOW! What an amazing album! The music moves me. What more can I say? This man really has it down.

normally i wouldn't even review a CD like this, but since someone thoughtlessly gave it to me as a gift i thought i'd share.

if you like smooth jazz then it might be your cup of tea. i don't like smooth jazz. i put this CD on and... well i kind of liked the first track. but by the third track I felt like i was strolling through a department store. very bland and too smooth. no life, no edge. this is the kind of music that people so offensively play when they want to play something unoffensive.

sorry - james mcbride might be talented and maybe i'd like him in a hard bop or other more vital setting. but on this cd... smooth jazz. 'nuff said. my 2 cents.