Customer Reviews

Standard of Language

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Standard of Language is a wonderfully made CD and possibly Kenny Garrett's best work. I thought his Coltrane CD was great, but this CD is no doubt full of passionate, creative, and expansive music. After first listen I was thrown back in my chair and immediately concluded, "this is the best jazz cd of 2003". How this CD was overlooked at the Grammys is beyond thought. When you hear the pieces on this set, you automatically can feel KG truly wanting to cement himself as one of the true modern jazz giants of today...and you know what?...he is just that! My favorite tracks are "Gendai" and the perfectly structured "Doc Tone's Short Speech. Put this one in the jazz collections immediately.

It seems so long ago that Kenny Garretts stunning masterpiece "Songbook" established him as the definitive new voice in straight-ahead jazz. It was actually only 8 years ago.
His last few efforts is what made it SEEM so much longer ago. Somehow he found himself mired in the "smooth jazz zone", a place were no self respecting true jazz musician should ever find themselves.

I do realize that people do have to eat and pay the bills so I guess it's understandable to forgive Kenny Garrett for kicking out a few radio-friendly, cookie-cutter, psuedo jazz CD's that will sell in mass quantities. But guess who back?

Standard of Language is not only a return to form to Kenny Garrett, but may perhaps be his finest moments. I originally reserved that title for his "Pursuance" Coltrane tribute CD with support from Pat Methany...but this one is gaining on it fast!

This starts out hard-boping and never lets up...culminating with a stunning 12 minute, 4 movement opus...a minature Love Supreme if you will.

Personally my favorite tracks are 3,5 and particularly 8 where drummer Chris Dave makes you forget that Kenny used to employ Jeff "Tain" Watts...one of the best in the business.

If you enjoyed Songbook and Pursuance...then this is the CD for you. If you, on the other hand, preferred the lite fare of his last couple releases...then you better stay away and just pick up the latest Boney James or Rick Braun.

Does this CD live up to its hype? Yes it does, but at this level of playing where Mr Garrett is in complete control, with a working band that really cooks, his strengths are manifest - inventiveness, passion, dexterity, ideas, structure then one really starts to pay attention. Especially to ballads. It's on ballads on the saxophone where, it seems to me, the genius of a great musician, which is to say, the ability to express feelings and ideas most effectively, lies. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn, Mr Charles Parker once famously observed. Mr Garrett makes music bursting with the joy of life and living, one can hear on the album (barely) the verbal grunts and sighs they make as they groove. On ballads though, he's yet to reach that level of beauty of say Mr Charles Parker, or Mr Bernie McGann (Australia) or Mr Johnny Hodges, Mr Paul Desmond et al . STANDARD OF LANGUAGE is also recorded to an exceptionally high standard of fidelity - sounds great on your most expensive high fidelity equipment and on a Walkman. One of the CD's music lovers must own.

From the very first cut on this CD all the way through I was absolutely mesmerized the first time I heard it. Kenny Garrett combines astounding technique with an improvisational style that soars and incorporates both flash and substance. This is a very fine jazz collection that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that this artform is still vital when produced by such accomplished artists as these. I cannot stop listening to this. it is fantastic.

Kenny Garrett has shocked the jazz scene ever since his debut days with Miles Davis' last band and later, the electrifying group of young lyons, OTB. If you thought Songbook and Pursuance were hott then you're in for a true treat. Standard of Language in my opinion, is without a doubt the most swinging REAL jazz album of 2003. Each composition is laced with layers of dissonant yet rich chords and harmonically challenging melodies garunteed to baffle and fufill both long time jazz fans and new comers. Garrett and Vernell Brown's improv lines are particularly impressive, pushing notes past the upper register and fiercly probing towards unprecedented levels of instrumental proficiency, almost as Miles and Coltrane did near the end of their careers. Each track (with the exception of the album's one beautiful balland, Just a Second to Catch my Breath) is absolutely killing, including both impressive performances from the previously mentioned stand-outs, to the ever-in-the-pocket rhythm section. Be sure to spend lots of time with the title track-- it's a monster!

I've been listening to Kenny Garrett since god only knows, I think since his days when he recorded for Atlanta Jazz...the African Exchange Student album. That was a great album. Now, almost two decades later, he's at it again, with an album full of strong tunes, and fiery solos. This album though is ALL original songs (except for a refreshed version on What is This Thing Called Love). And boy do the tunes sing. Very nice tunes - straight-ahead but Fresh, and very melodic. Emotionally intense and beautiful solos. The band is fantastic, and they really sounds good together. I especially like tracks 3 and 4, and the suite at the end. Very sweet. Kenny is just on fire.

Kenny's musical tradition includes consistently offering beautiful music to our ears. He is AMAZING! "Standard of Language" is a must for your music collection. I especially like "Tango in Six". If you haven't had the joy of hearing Kenny's quartet live, check out his touring calendar Enjoy!!

If you dug Songbook, you'll dig this. If you're a "Simply Said" kind-of-guy, I doubt this one is for you. This date is swinging hard without the mellow undertones and sappy New Agey feel of some other work. It is simply awesome - it sounds like a live date if that helps you visualize. You can hear throwbacks to 85' KG (almost just recognizing where he's been but nothing more than a nod to that past) in this but it is a *totally* fresh, new sound.

A definite winner...

I have a dream today. A dream where standout talents such as: Kenny Garrett, Abbey Lincoln, Cyrus Chestnut, Steve Wilson, Regina Carter.... Sell out all around the world! Shirts displaying their names and likeness sold side by side with Billie, Miles etc. Award shows feature great jazz performances that make headlines!
Ok. I awake and am thrilled nonetheless over another KG masterpiece. Wish more of my friends could join me cause this guy is always worth checking out. I rate this right up there with other favz by KG, Triology, Songbook and Pursuance:The music of John Coltrane.
I may be dreaming that someone in this genre could reach heights of pop acts, however I should be careful what I wish for cause too much attention could spoil the formula that thrills and stands out from the norm. If your into Kenny's "Simply Said", or "Happy People", recordings, proceed with caution on this one, cause it is all about the burnin, smokin, hard core swingin grooves here.

I have been listening to Kenny Garrett since the 80's and he has made many fine albums. I would go so far as to say he has made his share of music for the ages. In "Standard Of Language" he may have out done himself. I am one of the few jazz purists who truly enjoyed "Happy People" for it came out at a time that America needed a breath of fresh air. "Standard" moves toward the realm of a classic piece of jazz improvisation. KG is so good on alto that there are few contemporaries to even compare,and his soprano work is on the level of my personal favorite Wayne Shorter. The year is young, but this is the best recording of blistering, jazz improv and subtle mastery by a legend in the making. Also noteworthy are the supporting musicians who's interplay with Garrett is stellar and blend together to make a nearly flawless album. Kudos to Marcus Miller who continues to prove as one of the most talented young producers (not to mention the meanest electric bassist around) to be reckoned with... Five Stars is an understatement.