Customer Reviews

Pure Imagination

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

 

 

This album has dumbfounded me like none other. Here's why:

I think I'm more up on obscure vocal jazz artists than most. I've been the sole or one of two reviewers on a large number of c.d.'s. But, I had never heard of Vox One, and found this c.d. quite by accident in a "World Records" catalogue, and bought it on a whim.

What an album! In a business lousy with underrated people, this vocal jazz group just might be #1. They are tres impressive, to say the least!

When you think of a vocal jazz ensemble, you tend to think of a group that sings in a barbershop style, only with more jagged rhythms, not so much emphasis on dominant sevenths, and more lyrical lines with less chord-to-chord crashing.

These 5 singers, trained at and teaching at Berklee, can do that. Witness their gorgeous turn on Newley's title track (from "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"), their prayerful read of Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock," or their soulful rockin' version of Stevie Wonder's "I Wish."

But they do so much more. This c.d. is full of true improvisations, mostly ragas or other third world chants. And they do a blues, "Leave It To Me", that sounds as improvised as anything that ever came out on Blue Note.

The highlight to me, though, is their version of "Simple Gifts." Over a Swahilian chant by the men, the women do a jagged version of the melody of this folk song, until all five meet in harmony toward the end of the phrase. The most original version of this song ever, and I'll bet Copland would agree.

The musicianship of these five is simply unparalled. They sound like they've been singing together for 18 years, which they have. Although there are no truly topflight soloists in the group, they have a beautiful, homogenized sound.

If you like vocal jazz at all, you must get this album. This is one of the best of 2006. RC

I have a couple other albums from Vox One and have always been impressed. I read a review for another group and the reviewer said this was a must buy. Well I took him at his word and was not disappointed. Especially loved the Improvs between songs. The whole album...very impressive. Also check out the New York Voices if you like vocal jazz.

I very highly recommend this album to anyone loves vocal jazz. My singing students are always blown away when I play selections for them. While the artistic level achieved by this group is a bit intimidating at first it ends up being quite inspiring.

The arrangements are tasty, the production is astounding and the performances are very fine. The improvisations explore the possibilities of the human voice in a really creative way.

When Vox One breaths and phrases together they seem to act as a single instrument as in the case of a world class string quartet. It is truly a joy to experience.

Even though I consider myself a very sophisticated musician, I must admit that my favourite track is Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" which is SO much funky fun. I did not think it was possible for anyone to ever cover a Stevie Wonder song to my liking but Vox One certainly has turned me on with this one. I bet that Stevie would dig/ did dig hearing this vocal version of his hit .

I have become a huge fan of this group's music and musical abilities!

Having heard all of their previous CDs now, I have to rate this one as their overall best/standout. Arrangements are complex and beautiful (I still don't know how they did Simple Gifts like that!). My favorite selections include Pure Imagination, and Woodstock. Don't hesitate to buy this one if you are a real a cappella fan or vocal jazz enthusiast!

OH, and I feel blessed to have seen/heard them perform live here in CA!

Vox One rocks!

Vocal Artistry at its best, this album will appeal to vocalists & musicians who appreciate the hard work & dedication to be able to perform at this level, displays out of the box creativity.

The improv bits between every song put me off. I do not get them. Most of the songs are too wierd for me, too. I found them hard to get to like, and gave up trying.