Customer Reviews

Subway Sonnets

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Subterranean Jazz is anything but underground in their new album, entitled "Subway Sonnets." They really shine in their second release. The trio expands their sounds here by adding some electric and acoustic guitar, as well as some unexpected percussive turns.
I recall listening to the previous album, and there were specific songs which stood out as favorites. I would catch myself singing certain melodies to myself. However, on Subway Sonnets it is more difficult to pick any favorite. The album has such a polished smooth sound as a whole. There is much more attention to detail, thus creating an air thick with mood.

Subterranean's appeal lies in their solely original body of work, written equally by the talented Clohessy, Sorensen, and Pegge. While it is apparent that each of these musicians has an appreciation for jazz standards, their songs are anything but traditional. Each tune has a story all its own, with subtle rises and falls. From the spicy syncopation of "Azahar," to the dreamy serenade of "Santa Cruz Postcard," each tune is an experience.
Subway Sonnets has a general tone of timeless memories. One which is moody but not quite melancholy, like a dusky Phoenix sunset. I reccomend this Subterranean Jazz album to everyone. If you love music, jazz, or a tasty groove sandwich, then this is a CD for you...

Subterranean Jazz's second album (following their brilliant eponymous debut in 1999) shows the band expanding their melodic grooves to include a panache of latin rhythms, complex harmonic structures, and creative songcraft. The elements of the group --guitar, stand-up bass, drums, and saxophone -- blend beautifully with each other to create a cohesive, smooth machine. Each musician gets many opportunities to shine both musically and compositionally on this record, most notably saxophonist Tom Clohessy, whose mellifluous playing on such standouts as the Indian-flavored "Azahar" and "Santa Cruz Postcard" exhibits a clear understanding of the kind of noir-jazz that brings to mind the era of 1950s. Although an instrumental record, Subway Sonnets carries the listener on a wave of word pictures -- rain slicked streets, a dank nightclub, dim neon, and bourbon on the rocks...

I can't put this CD on without someone asking me how to get their hands on it. People LOVE it. I gave this CD as a gift to many friends this year, and they were really, truly grateful. After (Or at) a hard day's work, place it in the box and let the troubles dissolve.

Smooth jazz for the discerning listener. This CD hasn't left my stereo since I picked it up. Its influences, Getz and Jobim among others, are clear, but this Arizona ensemble takes it a step further and makes a sound that's all their own. Fresh, subtle, sophisticated. Of particular note, opening track, "Azahar," and my particular favorite, "Dream Clouds."

I sat down to listen one evening and found that it was very soothing. It reminded me of watching an old black and white movie thriller. You never quite knew where the killer was!
This was also the first time that I had listened to this type of jazz. I grew up only on Dixieland and thought there was no other type. Now I know different! Thanks for the education guys!

Outstanding! This compilation manages to hit all of the right notes. Whether as background for a casual gathering of friends, or to accompany you on the couch during a snowy winter day, the smooth jazz tracks included here will make this cd one of your most revisited favorites.