Rhythm & Soul

Lonnie Plaxico | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 23, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sirocco Jazz Limited
• ASIN: B0000AUHR3
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #187,194 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A huge leap forward for the master bassist, April 21, 2004

By 

Jan P. Dennis "Longboard jazzer" (Monument, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rhythm & Soul (Audio CD)

This is the first of several outings as leader from Plaxico that I've heard that is entirely satisfying.

Killer grooves.

Intelligent writing.

Monster chops from all involved.

I'm thrilled. I've always wanted to embrace him as an artist, but I don't think he's really delivered.

Until now.

Everything works on Rhythm & Soul. What stands out most is George Colligan's spectacular playing. I'm especially taken by his B-3 concept. He brings such rhythmic sophistication and hard groove, as well as ultra tastiness on ballads, that he blows all other B-3 players out of the water. But I'm not surprised. George has been one of the smartest if unsung keyboard masters on the planet for the past few years. His brilliance on "Always Crazy" must be heard to be believed. Jeremy Pelt--not surprisingly--also shines. Check out his soulful solo on "Keyko." Again, no mystery here; Pelt is fast establishing himself as a monster trumpeter. With everyone's favorite drummer Billy Kilson on board, you could hardly ask for a band either more fluid or driving. Add smart up-and-comers Wayne Escoffery (tenor sax), Marcus Strickland (tenor and soprano sax), and Alex Sipiagin (trumpet) and you've got a killer band. And the totally cool and groove-oriented bass stylings by leader Plaxico on both bass guitar and double bass gloriously add weight and grounding to these wonderful proceedings, with his mind-bogglingly virtuoso solo rendition of Mal Waldron's great tune, "Soul Eyes," sure to open a few eyes.

The vibe here is updated, funk-drenched soul-jazz, with an altogether appropriate gospel underpinning that leaks through the grooves of most cuts and finally bursts into the open on "I'll Wait and Pray," a gorgeous ballad featuring a totally convincing Marcus Strickland on sax (plus a mind-blowing solo by Plaxico on acoustic bass), and in a refreshing, heartfelt way on the last number, "'Tis So Sweet," featuring the soothing, soulful vocals of Aneilia Lomax.

But there are some burners too, e.g., the opener, "Rhythm and Soul," "Dark Side," and "Weather Report," the leader's remarkable tribute to the late, great fusion band of the same name. Then there's the impossibly catchy "Always Crazy," a mid-groovin', funky, post-boppish number featuring some rather astounding drum work by Billy Kilson, a simply great solo by Jeremy Pelt, and a way tasty organ solo by George Colligan. Throw in some killer horn charts, and you've got a classic soul-jazz performance.

Entirely satisfying in its breadth, depth, energy, and beauty. Bravo!

4.0 out of 5 stars A Pleasant Surprise, May 12, 2007

By 

K. Dixon (Coral Springs, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rhythm & Soul (Audio CD)

In fairness, I knew Lonnie when we were kids. Although I love jazz, my tastes run more towards bebop. After reconnecting on myspace, I decided to give his work a listen. I was very pleased. His style is very creative and energetic. He has assembled a collection of excellent musicians. My personal favorite song is his cover of Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain". I like this CD more each time I listen to it.