Customer Reviews

Rolling Stones Project

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

 

 

I first heard this album's version of Street Fighting Man on the radio (KBCS Seattle) and it didn't click as a Stones cover until the end, since I was distracted from the familiar melody by the doubled tempo, the thick multiple-percussionists groove, and the gorgeous vocal scatting alongside the many instruments. This is a great pure jazz album (aside from the straight-up raw Keith Richards-accompanied blues version of Honkey Tonk Women) that more than captures the energy and soulfulness of the original material. I think it and Joshua Redman's Momentum are definitely 2 of the best (jazz or otherwise) albums of 2005.

What really makes this album stand out is the amazing guest performances. John Scofield is fantastic on the opening Satisfaction. And Norah Jones singing Wild Horses is incredible. Why wasn't/isn't there more buzz about this track? She's amazing as always but this track suits her perfectly. Pick this CD up and you won't be dissapointed.

Quite amazing! For jazz lovers who may have rock'n roll roots (or vice versa), this disc belongs in your collection. You'll love the way Tim uses vocalists (and some very recognizable ones) as instruments -- just familiar and strong enough to embellish and grab your attention --truly enhancing the wonderful and unique instrumental arrangements. Norah Jones' version of "Wild Horses" is a bonus you'll enjoy, as well. Tim's playing is superb and his improvisations often contain licks so memorable, they're as infectious as the Stone's classic that surrounds them. It's a disc you'll play for your friends, you'll be proud that you introduced them to it and you'll preface each track with - "wait till you hear this!"

I've been listening to the Stones for all of the 45 years or so that they have been playing, and I didn't expect to be surprised by anything related to them. But this is heart-stoppingly beautiful, new, different, stunning. Perhaps these songs will become jazz standards. BRAVO!

Ok...I love the Stones and their music ( almost all my life)...but I also love Jazz...and this "project" is amazing..!! It deserves 6 stars. I got it today and I've been listening to it all afternoon..!! The arrangements , the concept and the musicians are GREAT. What music ..man!!! Bernard, Lisa ( I love her..!!),Norah, John Scofield ( I am a great fan ),Patitucci ( I am also a fan of this guy) and the rest of the crew just did what they always do..great music...And it was a great experience to listen to these guys with Keith, Ron and Charlie in the same CD...
You do not need to be an all time fan of the Greatest R&R Band in the World like myself to love this CD..you just have to love music.
Mr. Ries ...take a bow...TWO THUMBS UP , for you.

The Stones music has been reworked on different CD's including an electro-remixed CD and has even been given the classical treatment . So, it was only a matter of time for a jazz version and what better time than when they are touring. This is a very good pop jazz disc, at times straight ahead jazz that has soulful crossover elements ; it has that smooth jazz sound with a funky, straight ahead jazz edge to it. It reminds me of the old Crusaders after they dropped the Jazz from their name. There is enough room left on each track for improvisation but the original hook is always there to let you know it is a Stones song. The guest contributions are delightful adding to the polished sound. When Cheryl Crow sings along to the sax driven song "Slipp'in Away" accompanied by Stones members Richards, Watts and Woods it is so cool to hear Richards chimming in and harmonizing with Crow. I think he takes the song back from Crow and dominates with his suttle background vocals. At times it has that old school jazz sound, as on "Honky Tonk Women," where the song is stripped down to three musicians driven on drums by jazz aficionado and Stones drummer Charlie Watts with some mean Jimmy Smithesque organ by Larry Golding and wailing sax by Reis. The lovely talented Lisa Fisher(the female Stone) does a sexy breathless duet with Reis on sax for a memorable version worth hitting the repeat button on . Lisa is featured again on the song she always chummies up with Jagger to perform live on, the raucous "Honky Tonk Women ," that is characterized by Richards guitar introduction this time to take the lead chorus in harmony with the sax. The female Stone makes one last contribution on another song , the classic "Gimme Shelter." "Paint it Black " is transformed from a dark- psychedelic song into a song you might hear in a cocktail lounge in Las Vegas that would draw you in with the searing guitar work and suddenly familiar chords and blistering sax work by Reis. If you like jazz and the Stones than what are you waiting for? This is a disc to throw in the rotation when you are in the mood for some sophisticated Rolling Stones songs. A great concept disc that gives satisfaction to jazz and Stones fans alike which features Ron Woods "Abstract #1" on the cover.

I've read all the glowing reviews for this CD, and honestly I don't get it. Admittedly I'm not the biggest fan of jazz, but I'm a huge fan of cover albums. Mostly Beatles covers, but I've also collected a lot of Stones, Pink Floyd and Zeppelin covers.
I've enjoyed CDs that put country or blues spins on the Rolling Stones - those seem to work - but soft jazz just didn't do it for me.
It's not for lack of trying - these songs would be right at home on the Easy Jazz radio station, and the high-powered guest talent like Norah Jones and Sheryl Crow certainly give their all, but seriously, what's the big deal?
Here's what it comes down to - this album made me realize how important LYRICS are to a Rolling Stones song. Strip away the words and play a song like "Satisfaction" or "Street Fighting Man" with just sax, drums and jazz guitar, and what have you got? Just a bunch of repetitive riffs, it seems like.
If the background singers weren't singing "Slipping Away" during track 3, I wouldn't have even been able to tell what song that was supposed to be.
One review said that Tim Ries was "breathing jazz life into the rock tunes". Umm, they were pretty lively already, dude. These covers sound much slower and more lethargic than the originals. "Sophisticated"? Try "Sedated".

I don't buy many cds because I usually like one or two cuts and hate the rest. This was one of the few where I really loved most of the cuts and even the ones I didn't love I at least didn't want to skip.

This is a great way to expand musical taste if you're a die-hard stones fan, as I am. The playing is outstanding and the song choices are awesome. If you love the Stones, these arrangements keep the energy alive and add extras that will create an entirely new listening experience -- it's really a special disc. I can't recommend it enough!

i was looking for this cd so much time in athens.
i have it in less than a month from amazon

I used to love jazz albums. My radio dial was always tuned to KKGO which was the jazz station in L.A. a long time ago. This album will appeal to you if you are into jazz. It is not chill, or cutting edge or anything of the sort. It is a jazz album that verges on muzak. I was so dissapointed with it. It immediately has been relegated to the bottom shelf of my five thousand plus cd collection. Out of sight out of mind. If you like instrumental jazz, then you will like this. If you are a fan of music that is more of the 21st century...you need to keep searching.