Customer Reviews

Shakin', Not Stirred

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

 

 

This is smooth jazz at it's best. Brian weaves his melodies and solos like silk on skin, and mixes it with a variety of rythmes that range from latin to a blusey feel. He's one of the best, you can't go wrong with this cd.

Brian Hughes certainly knows what he's doing with that guitar, and it's no wonder why he's my all-time favorite jazz guitarist. Here's my track-by-track review: 1. Shakin Not Stirred- a nice way to kick off the album, very up-beat with a late 60s feel. Great piano solo by Les Portelli 2. Ready for Freddie- typical Brian Hughes- a smooth, mid-tempo song that puts me in a great mood. Featuring excellent trumpet work by Steve McDade 3. Once Again- a slow, sexy ballad that will make you think of the Bahamas on a summer night 4. For You- a very up-beat, postitive tune that just shows how well Brian can pluck those strings! 5. The Beat- my favorite song on this cd. It has a real Brazilian samba feel to it. Kinda reminds me of "Postcards from Brazil" from his One 2 One cd. 6. Man About Town- very nice- kinda reminds me of "Soul Fruit" from his Straight to You cd. 7. There She Goes- a slow, sexy song with more great trumpet work by Steve McDade(damn those two make a good pair!) 8. On Moonless Nights- another smoky ballad, sorta like Once Again 9. Smile- the title says it all 10. For You(remix)- A very cool remix of the song, featuring Third Force

This cd belongs in the hands of ANYONE who likes smooth jazz, Brazilian samba, late 60s funk, new age, light rock, or pop, or all of the above.

Brian Hughes is one of my all-time favorite guitarists, along with George Benson, Chuck Loeb, Norman Brown, Peter White, and Carlos Santana. This is a very good cd. The best tracks are Shakin Not Stirred, For You, On Moonless Nights, & Man About Town. A must for anyone who likes guitar music.

What a surprise! This album was in the listening station at Borders and I thought I'd give it a try. After hearing the first track [title track], I grabbed it without a care for what the rest of it was like. The first track has a vintage flair to it, but includes all the contemporary jazz sounds necessary to give it a clean sound. Most of the other tracks sound contemporary, so I gave it four stars because the label said that the whole album had that '60s' sound to it, but it was really only the first track. However, Brian really shreds on about 7 of the 10 tracks, and has a soothing mellow sound on the other 3. If you're thinking about picking up a great guitar-oriented jazz CD, start with this one. It will make you really respect jazz guitarists. Thumbs up to Brian!

This is my favorite Brian Hughes cd.I just think of every song as a gift from god.I think to myself as I hear Brians music and say to myself, "Thank you god for giving me two ears for hearing this incredible music that is composed by one of the most talented guitarist of all times"!I can only say that this CD comes from Brian Hughes heart and that is the most important thing that you need for a cd to be a good cd.Here is my track-to-track review: 1)Shakin' Not Stirred- this song has been played on an episode on HBOs hit series "Sex And The City" and sort of gives you a James Bond feeling, doesnt it? 2)Ready For Freddie- This song is a Brian Hughes trademark song if you will, is is sort of like a mid-tempo song that puts a smile on my face and makes me think "Thank you Brian Hughes for composing this great music you have made for us"! 3)Once Again-This is a sexy slow song that is a song to put on for when your wife or girlfriend comes over for dinner, all you need to do is take the bucket of ice and champagne and let Brians music do all the talking for you! 4)For You-This is an upbeat song that I think is a very good song and well put together.When you are thinking of a loved one, just put this song on and remember the good times...... just kidding!This song is really what you may call "Uplifting and happy"! 5)The Beat-This song sounds like a lating Brazilian samba dance song.Just shake your bon-bons while dancing to this beauttifully composed song from Mr.Brian Hughes. 6)Man About Town-My favorite song on this cd, this is typical Brian Hughes music.This song brings back so much memories, and because I mainly heard it on The Weather Channels Local Forecast Segment, this is one of the better songs and more memorable songs on the cd! 7)There She Goes-This song is a sexy slow song and great trumpet work by Steve McDade.This song couldnt be any better now , could it? 8)On Moonless Nights-This is another beautifully composed song.I dedicate this song to all the people who like sad music(which is not alway bad, dont get me wrong).Listen to this track when you fell like relaxing. 9)Smile-Well, thats what the song mainly puts on your face after the first two minutes you hear it. 10)For You(Remix)-A very good remix of the song, it features Third Force.

In my conclusion, I can only say that beauty comes from the heart, and this cd comes from Brian's heart.My advice is to waste a little money, and get something that will come in good use for the rest of your life.....

Don't be fooled by the ultra cool jacket, there is nothing particularly sixties about this CD. Drawing from such influences as George Benson, Pat Metheny and Wes Montgomery, Hughes essentially retreads some of the finer moments of these artists, albeit with considerable skill. A nice listen for the very reasons you might have enjoyed the works of his afore mentioned mentors.

Forget about it being 60s sounding, cause its not. Brian hughes blends Wes, Metheny together with a brazilian Jazz flair that leaves you wanting to buy Still Life Talking by Metheny all over again. Brian Hughes capitalizes on brazilian jazz while copying metheny riffs constantly...

Hey brian, there can only be one metheny......