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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bona's masterpiece.,
By
This review is from: Reverence (Audio CD)
Richard Bona's debut album, "Scenes From My Life", was a coming out for the singer/bassist/multi-instrumentalist-- a chance to flex his songwriting muscles and really explore the musics he loves. But it suffered from a number of problems to my mind, mostly in the production vein-- the mix was a bit muddy and provided a sameness to all the pieces and Bona's bass playing, so unnervingly superlative as to draw favorable comparisons to Jaco Pastorius, was recessed way in the background. The followup to his debut, "Reverence", fixes that problem-- the sound is superb, less muddy, and Bona's bass is emphasized similar to the bass emphasis on Pastorius' classic records, which serves the music well. But more importantly, the songs on here are by and large superior to the already superb songs on "Scenes From My Life". In short, this album is thus far Richard Bona's masterpiece.
Bona, a native of Camaroon, fuses his love of jazz and really all musics together to form something that is a bit indescribable. Most pieces feature vocals, with Bona singing largely in his native Duoula. This has led over-simplified descriptions of his music as African Jaco, and so on, but while the influence of Pastorius is clear, this is really much more. Bona seemlessly integrates his love of Pastorius and fusion with numerous other influences, and yeah, the native musics of his home no doubt played a part in it, but there's so much more. Opening with a largely a capella piece ("Invocation"), the album quickly moves into a funky jazz vein in "Bisso Baba" with absolutely amazing bass playing, a nice chorus, and at the end of the bridge-- an unbelievably graceful bass explosion and Leon Thomas-like yodel. If you're not convinced of Bona's prowess by this point, this isn't going to be for you. The rest of the record manages to follow suit in brilliance throughout, from a superb jazz ballad ("Suninga", arranged for brushes on drums, bass, acoustic guitar and strings) to acoustic folky pop ("Sweet Mary", "Lake Mba") to boiled out funk ("Ngad'a Ndutu") and a sweet piano-and-vocal ballad ("Esoka"). Along the way, we get treated to brilliant arrangements ("Ekwa Mwato" moves from pretty acoustic pop to explosive funky swing and back again as the arrangement builds in sublety, closer "Mbanga Kumba" starts with an orchestra and bass and moves into a monster bass assault with Bona's playing fast and furious and supported only by drums) and a total masterpiece of sensitivity and power in music ("Reverence"-- arranged for strings and two bass lines-- one on a regular bass, one on a piccolo bass, with lovely solos from guest Pat Metheny on acoustic guitar and Bona on bass) that is at the same time lush and understated, and totally beautiful. Invariably, I think my nearly mindless praise has proved that I think this record is a masterpiece-- anyone questioning whether Bona is really heir apparent to Jaco's crown should look here. Highly recommended.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Listen! Really listen!,
By
This review is from: Reverence (Audio CD)
I got Richard Bona's Reverence from a mail CD club. It arrived with 4 other CD's, mostly Jazz. As I gave each a brief run-through, Bona's was the least I liked, I thought the emphasis on his voice was a bit much, and I expected a mostly instrumental album with brilliant bass playing. But after a couple of listens, it began to sink in, and I truly fell in love with this music! It is simply a wonderful amalgam of African rythms with just enough of a Jazz/Latin vibe to it, and I was simply swept off my feet. Amazingly, of the whole bunch of CD's this became my favorite!! Whenever I want to calm down, this album really helps me - Bona's soothing voice and magical rythms can only uplift your soul and bring you to a state of peace. He's got some lush ballads, some mid-tempo world-beat songs, and some flat-out funk fusion rythmically and harmonically, but using unique African melodies on top in his trademark vocal style. Not just a bassist, but a great musician creating unique musical art. A revelation!!
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A genre all his own,
By Neal C. Reynolds (Indianapolis, Indiana) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE) (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Reverence (Audio CD)
This is not a CD which can be adequately categorized. Richard Bona encompasses jazz, new age, and world music, without truly being "OF" any of those genres. However, it's safe to say that if you are a true fan of any of the three genres, you will find yourself completely taken in and absorbed by this music. There's nothing flashy here, nor on the other hand is there any bland mellowness. I admit that the vocals rather put me off the first time I listened, but only because this wasn't quite what I expected. By the second listen, I was better prepared and more appreciative. I honestly urge all to listen to this. You'll be glad you did.
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