Customer Reviews

Shadow of the Cat

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have followed Gato Barbieri through the ups, downs and detours of his career and I am happy to announce that Shadow Of The Cat finds him back in top form after having slipped a bit with his rather lackluster Che Corazon CD of several years back. Just maybe its the presence of his old friend Herb Alpert that helped him rebound, I don't know, but Alpert's appearance certainly is a plus. In my opinion, this is Barbieri's best effort since the Alpert-produced Caliente of 30 years ago.
Shadow of the Cat opens strongly with a couple of scorchers that are classic Barbieri AND classic Alpert. It then slows down with the very romantic Last Kiss, which is essentially his "Theme From Firepower" done at half the speed of the fiery original.
Tierra Del Fuego and Bliss are a couple of very funky jazz numbers that evoke the best of the Crusaders. And one of the very best songs on the CD is a smooth remake of his classic Last Tango.
When I first heard the song If I Was Your Woman, done both in English and later in Spanish, I didn't care too much for it but it grew on me as I played the CD over and over. AI AI AI AI would be nearly perfect except for the [bad] vocals that nearly foul up the ending. The vocal tracks are Gato's only concession to the "smooth jazz" crowd this time around.
Whether you are an old fan or a new convert to jazz Gato-style, you should find a lot to like on this CD. I reiterate, its one of his best. There isn't a single bad cut. Don't miss it.

This is an excellent CD. Even though Gato is 70 he has never sounded better. The material is exciting and there is alot of interesting twists on this CD. One is Herb Alpert who also sounds great!!. another is Cassandra Reed a new vocalist who brings a very fresh spirit to the Cd singing If I was your woman in English and Spanish. (her new Cd is also excellent!)
I heard that this C) won the Billboard magazine Latin jazz album of the year and also just go nominated for a Latin Grammy award for latin jazz Album of the year.Both very much deserved. This CD is a keeper anyway that you put it. One of the best Cd's of 2003

If you like Gato Barbieri, then you'll love this album. Latin sounds and the haunting saxaphone make you want to listen to this album over and over again. He's still blowin strong. Also a new version of his Theme from Last Tango in Paris makes you realize what a genius this guy really is. Some cameo appearances from Herb Alpert and percussionist Sheila E. You can't get anymore latin than that.

Perhaps nothing's as intriguing musically as the seductive sound of the tenor sax when it's in the right hands . Gato Barbieri has been playing his seductive style for many years and some of what he's written will always be remembered. Shadow Of The Cat is his best effort since Tropico , although there's no real standout smokers like the tenor sax / guitar duet a-la " Latin Lady " with Carlos Santana on Tropico , you definately won't be dissapointed with the updated version of " Last Tango " and the great guitar playing of Jeff Mironov. This cd is one that's worth having if you're a gato fan. And one that has the definitive passion & style that are trademark to gato's musical style.

I like every song in this CD here.
I think Gato has gotten better in his music in his latter years.
The CD had great cont-unity.
His best CD all time.

I agree basically with the other reviews so far, but I just wanted to add my praise for this wonderful surprise from Gato. When I first saw this album I thought it was another compilation from his past. Finding that it was a new set was a pleasant discovery, because it's actually better than his two other "come back" albums. The music here is just great--really accessible tunes that you will want to hear again and again.

Gato's music is often described as brimming with fire, hot, etc. Well, though not as fiery as his earlier work, this set is still HOT! Though it is accessible like smooth jazz, it is far more interesting than most of the music that correctly falls under that descriptor. Gato still obviously has great passion for his music--well illustrated by his occasional introductory oral phases and subdued howls (only a couple of songs). I don't know what he is saying, but I find these vocalizations add significantly to the interest and groove of the music (remember his vocal intro to Fiesta?). I just wonder how much more great music Gato will give us. What an amazing talent!

I realize this isn't a new CD, but it's new to me and my household. Ordered and received a little while ago, it's become a fast favorite. My 15 yr. old son already has it on his iPod! The style is classic Gato, and as other reviewers have mentioned, is among his very best. I still prefer (only slightly) Que Pasa by Gato, but this is certainly a five star collection of music.

I first heard this beautiful, sexy, soulful music playing in a store in SoHo New York City. It touched my heart. I had to have the cd. I asked the sales clerk who and what was playing and he told me it was Gato Barbieri and the cd was Caliente'. That was in the 80's. I took the cd home and listened to it over and over again. After all this time it is still one of my favorite cd's. I have never found anything comparable until "Shadow of the Cat." The music is so wonderful. Gato plays from his heart on this cd. Just slip it into your player and let it take your breath away.

It was very good. I heard it on the radio and had to have it.