Shades of Jade

Marc Johnson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 13, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ecm Records
• ASIN: B000AMJEH8
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #141,464 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ethereal, January 19, 2006

By 

Big House (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shades of Jade (Audio CD)

This is simply a magical disc. I never heard of Elaine Elias before, but her compositions on this disc are otherworldly and her playing touch is unique and beautiful. Johnson, Scofield, Baron and Lovano need no introduction, and as good as they are individually, they sacrifice their own fireworks here for the sake of a work that, amazingly, goes far beyond the sum of its talented parts. Subtle and delicate probably describe this one, though the words seem inadequate. It transports me to such an extent that I have, against my usual practice, played this over and over again.

43 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great album!, September 18, 2005

By 

Chico (North Tonawanda, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shades of Jade (Audio CD)

Thank you Marc Johnson and ECM for an album which gives jazz a good shot in the arm. ECM has gotten pretty complacent these days and this album has its' share of mellow moments, but, all in all it is some wonderful composing and playing!!!


Lovano and Scofield both sound fantastic. The SOUND of Sco's guitar is awesome. Johnson and Elias work great together. Joey Baron's drumming is also very tasteful. I love the Bass Desires albums from years ago and have been wanting Marc Johnson to put out another solo effort on ECM. I have no complaints!!! Just a great album on all levels.....recording quality is superb (as usual on ECM).....the playing is stellar.....if anyone is looking for an excellent new jazz album.....THIS IS IT!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dream come true!, April 22, 2006

By 

Olukayode Balogun (Leeds, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shades of Jade (Audio CD)

Although this is a Marc Johsnson CD, it is also a collaboration of giants. Although I would never have been able to dream it up all on my own, now that I think of it, it's a rather obvious coming together of like minded talents. The ultimate dream collabo. Marc Johnson has worked for many years with Eliane Elias and features and co-produced many of her brilliant albums. Meanwhile, Joe Lovano has also worked with John Scofield, most remarkably, in my opinion, on the recent Scolohofo "oh!" project with Dave Holland and Al Foster. Indeed, The John Scofield Quartet, which released 1991's "Meant To Be" was made up of Scofield, Lovano, Johnson and drummer Bill Stewart. I wasn't really familiar with either Joey Baron or Alain Mallet before this CD but I will definitely be checking them out now.

"Shades of Jade" is indeed an "ethereal" collection of songs, as one other reviewer described it. Each song offers something different and if you focus in on any of the major players each time you listen to any song, you hear and learn something different. Fantastic stuff! Eliane veers away from the latin-infused melodic playing I'm used to hearing from her and does what piano players are often expected to do in bands - just provide some background and nothing else. John Scofield's sound also seems to be evolving. It's certainly more restrained than the wild wailing sound he used to produce back in the day. But he still remains unmistakable and unique.

My favourites? "Ton Sur Ton", "Shades of Jade", "Snow" and "Raise" but I really love the whole album. I recommend that anyone reading this gives it a go. You will not be disappointed. A must for those lazy summer afternoons or for unwinding on an evening after a stressful day. Just perfect!