Customer Reviews

Sketches of MD

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

 

 

I have been a fan of Kenny Garrett for a while now, and I figured that this would be a spiritual successor to his last album, "Beyond the Wall", which was a very solid release (particularly the last cut, "May Peace be Upon Them" which is just killer). Sure, the rhythm section is completely different than on "Beyond the Wall" but it features Pharoah Sanders as 'Wall' did, so I assumed that it would be very much along the lines of that last effort. The first track, "The Ring", was in keeping with my expectations, but slowly after that it diverged farther and farther from what I expected. I found myself listening what seemed to be a sort of funk inspired album in the last few tracks, which was unexpected, not necessarily bad, but unexpected.

I found myself surprised upon hearing in "Wayne's Thang", a song from an earlier album of his ('Triology', if your interested) some synthesized jazz organ. Even more surprised upon hearing Kenny playing through an electrified setup, putting a bit of echo and wah-wah effects on his saxophone. I was also surprised on how much Sanders was allowed to open up. Famous to many as the add on to the late John Coltrane quartet, Sanders has a unique ability to make his saxophone wail and scream in ways that most musicians can't emulate and most listeners can't listen to. On 'Wall', he was subdued, to say the least, almost shockingly tasteful. Here, he is given much more room to go crazy. Here I found it significantly more palatable than with his work with Trane, and indeed sometimes very interesting. That having been said, if you don't at the very least find multiphonics and split reed stuff interesting, you may want to give this one a listen before you buy.

Now, this was not a bad album by any stretch, really, those two shocks to the system aside, it is quite enjoyable. "Intro to Africa" is a favorite of mine, with just a really great, deep groove, as is the closing track "Happy People", which is, as the name might imply, truly exuberant, with Kenny getting the audience to sing along and, I assume, probably dance as well. His ne rhythm section is great as well. The drummer, Jamire Williams, is particularly impressive with some really fun double bass drum hits that can really throw you if you're not ready for them.

All in all, a very solid work, but some may want to be careful of Sanders, as he is something of a controversial figure.

I've been a fan of Kenny Garrett's since 1997 when I first purchased "Songbook" and since then he has remained my favorite saxophonist. I play sax myself and have been a musician for the majority of my life. Ever since I learned about Kenny Garret, he has been a huge inspiration for me.

This album captures the high energy that he is notorious for when you see him live. From the very first note he plays he goes non stop and always manages to get the crowd involved and to leave with a huge smile on their face. His stamina and ability to create musical artwork on the fly is absolutely amazing.

Sketches of MD and Wayne's Thang would have to be my favorite tracks if I am forced to choose. Wayne's Thang is just straight up funk which I love and Kenny's use of effects on his sax just adds to the flavor of the tune. Pharoah Sanders and Kenny obviously have a deep friendship and this is reflected in their musical conversations. I love everything Kenny does, but this album will be hard to top! However, I have no doubt Kenny will find a way. Thanks Kenny... you make me never want to stop listening, learning and playing!!!

I love this entire album, but Wayne's Thing has an infectious groove, so infectious they to just fade it out. I've been the audience when KG did Happy People, and I was surprised how well it came across as a recording. C'mon Pharoah! An excellent homage to Miles Davis.

"Sketches of MD" is among the best jazz releases of the year. Own it, love it. Imho, Mr Garrett is one of the finest and most influential alto sax masters (as well as artists in general) that have ever lived.

Kenny Garrett is a superb alto sax-player. This recording shows a comfortable Kenny playing this "funky-jazz" style, although I believe that he has recorded before better works. I was lucky to attend yesterday Kenny's concert in Sala Clamores Jazz (Madrid- Spain). The concert was excellent, although this recording in only fairly good.

A GOOD FEELING CD FROM KENNY GARRETT AND THE GROUP.HAPPY SOUNDS FROM ALL THE PLAYERS.5STARS ALL THE WAY.

I was somewhat surprised at the repetition of the groove, licks, you name it. Even on Happy People, the only real tune on this recording; I mean, how many times can you end the piece? I have several of Garrett's recordings, both solo, and when he was with Miles, so I know how good he is, but being into jazz, and not funk-jazz (excuse my labelling; I know Miles did it, but there was usually so much more going on with him) I was just a bit let down. Some other reviewer liked the drummer. hmm. Boring. This ain't Elvin here. Pharoah Sanders? Boring. Hey, I just saw Pat Metheny/Jack Dejohnette in Woodstock; now that was something! Now all the funkophiles can jump all over this review, but I am a practitioner (percussion), so I do know something about this music. Kenny Garrett has done way better before, although the audience really liked it. Speaking of Wayne Shorter, I witnessed his set at the Newport Jazz Fest- shocking!

A lesson in abstraction which had the entire crowd scratching their heads when it was over, as in-what just happened? And this guy is 70! His set is online somewhere; his group included Brian Blade, John Pattituci, and Danilo Perez.

I read the reviews posted here and purchased Sketches of MD. After listening, I was weighted down with Kenny's repetative use of identical tones and passages to the point of nausea. Does he think he is writing mantra tunes or what? Anyone thinking they are going to get any passionate creative rythms and harmonies is in for a sad time. I must unfortunately pan this album as a very weak example of Kenny's talents.