Customer Reviews

Several Shades of Jade / Breeze From the East

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

this CD or Two albums are well recommended. especially for the at the time original "Several Shades of Jade" sounds from the middle east(THE FAKIR)down to the south (BORNEO)across and up a bit(TOKYO BLUES,HOT SAKE) not to mention all the bits in between (SONG OF THE YELLOW RIVER, CHINA NIGHTS etc) all underlined by latin'ish rhythems so well known by Tjader fans. I would place the first of thease two albums amoungst Cal's best. "Breeze from the East" well theres the brilliant painting "The Wave of Kanagawa" by Hokusai on the cover and then theres the track "BLACK ORCHID" a very basic piece of class as for the rest of this album I would encourage the listener to make up their mind. If it was'nt for the inclusion of the second album on this CD I would not hesitate to give it five stars, but please not let that discourage a potential buyer of this wonderful CD as I am shure they wont be disapointed.

This CD is a wonderful beginning to those venturing forth into the world of acid jazz, let alone the world of Cal Tjader. My most favorite cuts are "Cherry Blossoms" and "Theme from Burke's Law." These cuts, although diametrically opposed (musically speaking), present just the duality this CD offers. First, the Asian-influenced cuts create a sultry and spicy flavor of music for you to enjoy. The second half offers a more mellow, cocktail party-like atmosphere. No doubt you WILL find favorite cuts among the choice selection "Several/Breeze" offers!

Thanks to Verve Records (a division of Polygram Classics & Jazz) for remastering these. I bought this CD to replace my LP of Breeze from the East. I understand many critics, and Cal Tjader himself, prefer the "similarly-themed" album Several Shades of Jade, included on this CD. I do like several of "Jade's" nine tunes. But I was surprised to frequently hear a Big Band sound on that album - lots of brass; standard-fare and/or annoying percussion. Those same critics have pointed out faults of "Breeze." But there is a consistent, intriguing mix of instruments and rhythms here that are melded with - and not overpowering of - Cal's vibraphone riffs. A refreshing breeze all the way through.

The first time I heard Several Shades of Jade was way back in 1968 as an undergraduate student, and I recall playing it non stop. Tjader has continued to follow my many years and various interests. It remains today among my favorite CDs for the house as well as the car.

I have not heard this music since the early 60's, when I used to listen to the album. It is great to hear it again, and it sounds as good today as it did then!! Favorite on this CD: The Fakir

The idea of "combining" two of Cal Tjaders best album's was a good one, of the two, "Breeze From The East" was Tjader's classic,with the exception of tracks "Burke's Law and Star Dust," the way he played made me feel as if I was somewhere in the "South Pacific" hearing the lapping of the waves on a sun baked beach...Excellent!!

Still great tracks to listen to after my 12" vinyl has long gone. Great to be reintroded to one of the best musicians ever.

My father (who owned a jazz club at the time) gave me this record (Several Shades of Jade) when I was about 4 years old (in 1964). I played the grooves off the first LP, then found a great used copy in New York when I was an adult. Then after I stopped playing LPs, I wrote to Verve to ask if they would issue "Shades" on CD. Others must have made the same request, as the CD appeared about 18 months later. The remastered disc sounds quite good -- though not quite as good as the latter-generation LP on a good turntable -- and the music is deep cool. I'm not a fan of Breeze from the East, but have no problem with Verve's combining the albums on a single CD. Drive your Avanti to a Pierre Koenig case study house, pour yourself a martini, and fire up the Klipschorns. You won't be disappointed!

Super fast service. My order was a replacement for an old vinyl album of Breeze From The East purchased 20 years ago.

The First album Several Shades of Jade, did not play. I suspect It was damaged however the album Breeze from the East did. I was happy enough with that, as it was what I was looking for.