Customer Reviews

Sonic Tonic (Bonus CD)

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

 

 

jazz can be very difficult to listen to these days. especially new jazz. that is, original compositions by contemporary players. so much of the newness is buried in "modern-jazz" cliches and nebulosity. it can often be terribly boring. not to mention fusions between jazz and hiphop. terrible products have come out of that union.

Ron Blake's album is one of the few exceptions to that trend. An album where the band is comprised of people who are equally comfortable in the groove and straight-ahead. the fusion sound then becomes something full of subtlety and interplay. Sonic Tonic is refreshing to hear in a scene so overrun with funk-jazz, jazz-hop trash. the musical has its own profile and sound. its own texture and drive. the drumming of Chris Dave plays no small part in that. While a few of the songs rub me the wrong way because the lean to heavily to one side of the paradigm a bit heavily or they just seem a bit over-produced, the majority of the music is practically incredible. of all the tracks, the two versions of Invocation are the most incredible pieces to come from this effort. they are potently moving.

if you're hesitant about buy the album, go for it. it is a proper gamble.

Jazz fans everywhere are raving about the album Sonic Tonic by Ron Blake. The album was produced by soul/alternative artist Meshell Ndegoeocello. If you like good jazz music you will enjoy this set. The actual CD includes 11 tracks. There is also a bonus disc included which includes remixes by Carlos Mena, DJ Spinna, Jahi Sundance, Osulade & Transdub Massive. The CD is quite funky, trendy and modern. People who enjoy classic jazz will still dig this CD, but the younger crowd may also enjoy it. One song I particularly enjoyed was "Tom Blake" (DJ Spinna Free Radikalz Remix. With the bonus CD you really get your money's worth!

Ron Blake's "Sonic Tonic" is the most innovative and exceptional jazz release out right now. His unique fusion of r&b, funk and jazz with international sounds, really sets this album apart from traditional jazz albums. Part of the reason for this could be, is that it was produced by Me'Shell Ndegeocello, a very well-respected artist who has worked with everyone from Prince to the Rolling Stones, and grabbed nine Grammy nominations. You can definitely see Ndegeocello's influence throughout the album, matching Blake's killer saxophone with strong beats and exotic supporting instrumentation. Tracks like the mysterious "Dance of Passion" and the energy-charged "Chasing the Sun" are two of my favorites because of their pure excitement. For the more laidback listener there is the too cool "Shades of Brown," and Willy Wonka inspired "Pure Imagination," on which Blake plays with the theme from the classic film. The bonus disc of remixes is also amazing if you want to see jazz presented in a new and exciting form. No matter what your tastes, "Sonic Tonic" is a fun and stimulating album from start to finish, as well as a great example of the way the boundaries of traditional jazz can successfully be challenged.

This is one of the most emotional jazz saxophone albums of the year if not this season. Sonic Tonic, a Me'Shell NdegeOcello-produced album, speaks endless flavor and emotion. The second dynamic artist to reach my ears off of the Mack Avenue Label. The album opens with the eight minute, colorful piece, Invocation and also closes with the same. The closing track has a little more "hip" to it, but the idea is still evident. He features an entire brass section featuring label mate, Sean Jones on flugelhorn in the track, Dance of Passion. If you remember the closing ballad in the film, "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory", he gives us a very innocent standard reminder with Pure Imagination. But almost all of the emotion is heard in the tribute to his Father, Tom Blake in the titled track as well as in the 8 minute piece, Pissaro's Floor. With familiar names like Christian McBride (bass) and Terreon Gully (who also played heavily for vibraphonist Stefon Harris) this album as mentioned oozes feeling, passion, and heartfelt emotion.

Ron Blake circles the bases with this one. I don't know who's responsible for the mood on this entirely engaging disc, but let's give credit to Mack Avenue Records for recognizing a major talent and then finding the exact right context in which to place him.

Blake here plays with an authority and assurance not previously encountered from him. Yes, he was very good on that wonderful if unheard disc he co-lead with Dion Parson, 21st Century (look for a review of it by me coming soon); but his playing here is, quite honestly, light years beyond what he did back then (can it really be seven years hence?). The difference? In the interim he's honed his chops, tone, and concept to an altogether higher level. Add to that a killer band featuring Michael Cain (keyboards), Christian McBride (bass), Chris Dave (a name new to me, but man, can he play!) or Terreon Gully (with Greg Hutchinson on one cut) drums, and guests Josh Roseman (trombone), Vincent Chauncey (French horn), David Gilmore (guitar), Sean Jones (flugelhorn), and Gilmar Gomes (percussion) and you've got the makings of a great disc.

The kicker comes with the vibe he's chosen to stake out: Caribbean world jazz with funky overlays. Make no mistake, he nails it. A sample of nearly any tune convinces the listener of the absolute mastery of this music this unit achieves. And it's an approach that, truthfully, hasn't really been tried that much. Yes, there are plenty of jazz-tinged Caribbean projects out there, but few with the world/jazz/funk sensibility this disc sports.

A note about the bonus remix cd. I've never really understood the concept behind remixing jazz, which, essentially, is music for the nonce--improvised, ephemeral, and unique. Why would anyone want to remix it? I don't know, but at least the results here are unobjectionable, if not mesmerizing. And, as ya don't have to pay extra for it, there's really no point in grousing, although one struggles to resist the urge to do so . . .

An altogether fabulous disc that just won't find its way out of my disc player. Do check it out.

This is one of the most amazing "jazz" CDs of the year - and certainly one of the most interesting. There are so many great, interesting twists and mingling of styles. Blake isn't just rehashing old jazz - he's innovating. Staying true to jazz foundations he explores an edgier terrain with the confidence I don't see in many other musicians. This CD is produced by Meshell Ndegeocello - and you can almost see a shade of her throughout all the tracks - confidence again. The limited edition CD has a bonus CD of remixes of Blake tracks. Can't say I've been much of a club person in the past - but these tracks are catchy and not overbearing. What's going on over at Mack Avenue Records? If Blakes CD is any indication - they have turned a HUGE corner...watch out for them.

Just a minute now! Seems that what is needed here on these pages is a quick antidote to the previous review. For not only is Ron Blake's sophomore effort on Detroit's Mack Avenue Records *not* the worst jazz album that anyone's ever heard, it is in fact a true gem. And Blake's playing on these mostly original tunes is so tasty and satisfying that it's not even in the same *cosmosphere* with that Noodly One Who Shall Remain Nameless. Somebody didn't eat their wheaties this morning.

In fact, Ron Blake plays good tenor all over the place, not just here on "Sonic Tonic". Not to be confused with RAN Blake, Boston's other elder statesman of avant-garde piano (cf. Cecil Taylor), and not related to Vancouverite Seamus Blake, another good tenor who is also up and coming, Ron Blake has made many fine contributions to albums all across the jazz spectrum, from early associations with masters like Johnny Griffin, Art Farmer, and Benny Golson, to more recent outings with maturing lions like Roy Hargrove, Nicholas Payton, and especially of late as a member of Christian McBride's multi-faceted neo-fusion unit.

The current offering features some excellent cross-pollination of styles from modern trad to bossa-funk and reggae. There are many nice production touches from Motown-favorite MeShell NdegeOcello, as well as some creative re-mixes on the limited edition bonus disc. The only tune that seems dispensible on the whole album might be the song "Pure Imagination", which to me is dispensible in most settings anyway, but overall this stuff is nothing to sneeze at (unless you're on bad medicine that makes you sneeze).

The reviewer below states elsewhere that he's a jazz musician in NYC, but if that's really true, then I would have to suspect Ron's gettin' the gigs he's not. Do your best to ignore sour grapes while giving "Sonic Tonic" a spin, and expect many more fine releases in the future from Ron Blake.

Ron Blake has released better albums. This one strains to have any melody or harmony. More of frowning, serious work. I like only one song on it. Not a good purchase.

This was by far, the worst album I've ever heard in my entire life. This even worse than Kenny G's Songbird. And that is saying a lot. Imagine you're favorite food. Cooked to perfection by your favorite cook. And then before its served to you, the cook spits in it. That bad.

True the rhythm section vibes good together, but when Blake comes in he totally kills the vibe. So out of a 5, I give this album a 1. And thats because your can't go any lower than that.