Customer Reviews

Red Heat

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bassist Jimmy Haslip has taken a side trip from his regular gig as a founding member of the Yellowjackets to put out this engaging and pleasurable solo release. The album features a strong Latin flavor, with a continuous presence of Latin percussion and rhythms, but also amply showcases Jimmy's skills on electric bass and as a song stylist. There is a "Smooth Jazz" veneer to all the songs, thanks mainly to the synths washes and other subtle textures Joe Vannelli adds as producer and principal keyboard player. If you remember how lush and layered Gino Vannelli's songs were (Joe V. also produced and played for his brother), you've got an idea of how these new Haslip tunes float serenely on clouds of sound. The songs range from the frisky opening cut, "Los Feliz," to several softer and more lyrical songs like "Laguna." Jimmy's bass is usually the featured instrument, but his playing is augmented superbly by such talents as fellow Y-jacket Russ Ferrante, flautist Justo Almario, and multi-horn player Chuck Findley. The whole thing is a treat, and will satisfy both Yellowjacket fans and Latin jazz lovers alike.

When first inserting "RED HEAT" in my Car-CD Player, the fierce power of this album almost blew me into the back seat. What an awesome feature by the power-brains/hearts of Jimmy Haslip and Joe Vannelli. Embedded in a driving bed of phantastic keyboard/synth layers, Jimmy gets the space to fly - and that he does incredibly on "RED HEAT". There's just nobody sounding like you, bro....! To me, the way the music just flows, even at breakneck speeds, is a trademark of producer/ keyboardist Joe Vannelli, responsible for a major amount of this very quality of the incredible GINO VANNELLI records. Compositionally, the songs have a "classic" vibe to it, easy to listen to - but lots of depth and inner harmonic motion! On a sidenote, being a producer myself, I can hear how carefully this record is crafted, produced and engineered, because its raw power kicks so hard, I'm now using "RED HEAT" as a mix reference in my studio.... Keep it up....AWESOME!

If you want to listen to the most inteligent latin jazz around in these days, buy this record. It has a very subtle sensibility, and passion at the same time. Haslip has taken Latin Jazz a step forward, apart from the usual "salsa" filled records and jams. This is highly polished material of the highest caliber, beautifuly produced and superbly played. His six strings just sings so well, sometimes it sounds like a great guitar player in the lower register.

OK, I stole this music. I like the YJ's, but Jimmy's 1st album just didn't move me. When I saw Red Heat on the Usenet at 320Kbps, I thought "OK, it's free, what the hell..." I've never been more pleasantly surprised in my 50 years of eclectic listening! And I am making up for my transgression by buying the CD (as I do all worthwhile tunage that I download and like).

If you weren't a Latin Jazz lover before this album, you will be. But it's so much more than that. Naturally, I had no idea Joe Vannelli was involved until I read these reviews (stolen music doesn't come with liner notes...). I was a big Gino Vannelli fan in the late 70's, so I know how layered, textured and melodious the Vannelli sound can be (why Gino never made it huge is still a mystery to me, although I hear he's back at it again).

Although this album is almost 8 years old, you can't tell. In fact, this is my favorite "new" album. I can't stop listening to it - it's that good.
If Haslip can do something this well again, I would be amazed - but then, the 'jackets continue to amaze me, so...

Unless you just don't like jazz of any kind, you will be happy you bought this CD. And I disagree with the person who said this was a bit like smooth jazz. It's smooth, I'll give you that, but it doesn't belong in an elevator like most "smooth jazz." Haslip connects all of the musical dots on this effort, and it's as enjoyable as it is musically accomplished.

This project is absolutely incredible. Listening to Red Heat allows you to see deeper into the musical personality of Jimmy Haslip and the latin flavor really helps you gain a different perspective on his playing. The mix is amazing and his basses sound awesome! This is a must have!

Being a lover of both the bass guitar and Latin music, this was a must buy! I have not been disappointed. A great album in both respects. Jimmy tends to have a subtle kind of playing style, in contrast to Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke. In fact he is more like a melodius John Patitucci. A great album that restored my faith in the listenability of Jimmys solo albums. Highly recommended

If you love latin, this album is for you. If you like any kind of music, this album is for you. If you play bass, you should own it! This album is really good, I love it. There are really good tracks on it. It has swing, it has it's quite and relaxt songs and all these different songs are really good in balance with eachother. I love it and I listen to it regularly, really well worth the money!

The supreme talent of this musician is carved in relief through every track of this outstanding.

Los Feliz is a piece of loaded Caribbean flavor I the same mood of Tito Puente. Fabulous curtains, formidable rhythmic section and admirable percussion.

Calle del Sol would seem to be a well deserved to Carl Tjader `s tribute. Moving and fashioned light, you can almost feel the sand of the beach beating your face.

The Red Sun is a lovable twilight work. Laguna is the sexiest them of the CD.

Vaya is an authentic glimpse to Puerto Rico. It has a undoubted Latin taste; an impressive cadence and fusion, that reminds us immediately to the unforgettable Hector Lavoe.

Novelas possibly, is the crown piece of the album. Go for this album that will give you many satisfactions.