Customer Reviews

Sun Don't Lie

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

 

 

"The Sun Don't Lie" is one of those albums for me-- maybe I heard it at the right time in my life, maybe it really is that good, but even in the face of what many consider better records, this is my favorite of Marcus Miller's catalog-- certainly, his playing (as superb as it is) would be better on later albums, but I think this is some of his best work.

Marcus Miller is, of course, regarded as one of the great bassists, and with good reason, this album shows that nicely-- from breathtaking plucked runs (the intro to "Panther") to just stunning slap playing ("Rampage"), delicate fretless work ("Moons") and a great solo bass piece ("Mr. Pastorius", originally recorded with Miles Davis). But its the songwriting on this one that really shines, from the delicate "The Sun Don't Lie" to the great funky jazz-rock of "Funny (All She Needs is Love)", the hard swining "Rampage", and the totally brilliant "Panther"-- but what makes Marcus so great is that when his songs are bass driven, he somehow gets away without having a concrete bassline until another solo voice joins, when he steps back into a supportive role on the instrument. And with a generous supporting cast including guest performances by Miles Davis, Kenny Garrett, Wayne Shorter, and Vernon Reid, this album is nothing short of spectacular.

Certainly, if you're a Miles fan looking to explore Marcus' music, this is a great place to start, its how I did. This album is excellent.

"The Sun Don't Lie" is one of those things of beauty that you stumble upon and realize that it happened for a reason. Before this album I knew Miller as only a collaborator and top notch Electric Bass player. A knowledgeable jazz listening friend of mine owns a record store and told me to check this disc out when it was first released. When I looked at the line-up of artists, it was breathtaking. Miles Davis (this was to be released posthumously and one of Miles final recordings), Wayne Shorter, Lenny White, Don Alias, Paulinho DaCosta, Vernon Reid, Jason Miles, Joe Sample, Andy Narell, Kenny Garrett(the real "Kenny G"),Maurice White, Poogie Bell, Michael "Patches" Stewart, Steve Thornton, Omar Hakim, Hiram Bullock and many more unbelievably... The song list, mostly originals written by Miller, include "Panther" a rousing tune with Miller's trademark bass licks leading things off. "Steveland" a song written as a tribute to the wonderful Stevie "Steveland Morris" Wonder, with stellar performances by Miller, Wayne Shorter and the under appreciated David Sanborn (in top form), and "Rampage" the afforementioned tune featuring Miles Davis's trademark Harmon Muted horn solo. The final cut, "The King Is Gone (For Miles)", is a moving mix of fusion and an interlude in the middle of straight ahead playing with Miller showing off his Bass Clarinet skills, Acoustic Bass and the masterfully mournful tenor sound of Wayne Shorter. All eleven cuts are incredible, but this song alone makes it worth the purchase. I own nearly 1,000 cd's ranging from Adderly to Zawinful and I would recommend this disc to anyone who has a passion, and as I do, a desire to find the ONE perfect jazz disc. If this isn't it, it's as close as we've come in the past decade.

Miller is a studio wunderkind known for his work with Never Too Much Vandross, Roberta Flack, Bob James, the Jamaician Boys and the jazz icon Miles Davis, among other artists. This is his first jazz solo album--you see, in the 80's he did at least two R&B hip-hop albums. (Both are ultra-rare in vinyl, to say nothing of CDs.) Therefore, to me, Miller was already a star in his own rights--this CD along with the excellent "Tales" are for those who are truly missing a treat. "The King Is Gone" (for Miles) is an inspired work featuring featuring Miller on bass clarinet and the legendary Wayne Shorter on tenor and soprano saxes. Miles Davis is on "Rampage" which is possibly his last recording ever--believe me when I tell you it is as funky as it wansta be. "Juju" features two of the Miller kids and though they may be preteens now, it must've been a kick to work with their Papa in the studio. Get the Marcus Miller jazz trilogy--this CD, "Tales" and "Live and More". Check out his awesome bass in the likes of Miles Davis' "Tutu" and Sanborn and James' "Double Vision", then ask yourself what took you so long to catch on to the Miller greatness.

Actually this is a great record PERIOD! No gimmicks, fluff, or needless flash, just good music by arguably the most well-rounded bass guitarist out there. Every note Marcus plays has relevance and purpose; you can tell he's not playing just to impress or make the listener say 'Wow, how did he do that?' Its just MUSIC...featuring a BASS PLAYER. Fat, Buttery, Thick, Funky, whatever you want to call it, its still ALL THAT with Imagination. Miles, Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack, David Sanborn; they all knew what's up, now its your turn. Help put the sterotypes to rest; horn players and guitarists aren't the only cats who play good music. 'The Sun Don't Lie' is undeniable proof of that.

This Album is great. There isn't a single thing you wouldn't like from it. If you are a bass player, you need it. If not, and you like instrumental music, buy it.

Just recently wrote a negative review about Marcus' most recent CD (Marcus) and felt obligated to review his best work to balance the scales.

This is an excellent debut that displays ALL of Marcus' skills as a bassman, composer, arranger and producer. I consider this his debut because I don't even count those two awful pseudo-disco albums he made in the 80's.

Here he is in full funk-fusion effect with an well chosen cast of support that complements every mood he's invoking. Starts with the hard grooving "Panther", the smooth as silk "Stevieland" and the hard rockin' and Living Colour supported Rampage. Throw in a dash of Miles, Jaco, and the slap happy "Scoop" and you have bass playing for all your many moods.

The best part is that ALL of it works. Even the few heavily synthed and drum programmed cuts (that normally turn my stomach) are more than tolerable.

It is these few cuts (like JuJu and Funny) that prevent a perfect 5 star rating (it should be a 4.5), but don't let that discourage you. This is an excellent...just not perfect CD. Great CD's by electric bass players are a rare commodity indeed.

As a previous reviewer eluded to...this one belongs right up on the shelf next to Jacos and Pattituchis self titled debuts and School Days.

Highly recommended.

I'll be the first to admit, I have some "off the wall taste" in music and other facets in life. I listen to all genre of music and say.... I like the best of all types of music (rock, pop, r&b, alternative, UK, rap, gansta rap, bluegrass, Indian and minimal country ----- absolute fav is U2). It drives my husband absolutely crazy how I can flip from one song to another. I was recommended to Marcus Miller by a guy at a CD store..... way back when CDs first started out. "Panther" is my absolute favorite of Marcus Miller. THIS CD is a "must have". I tell everyone this is my favorite MM CD (as I have gone off the deep end in search of the "high" I received upon my first purchase of MM). I have to say, I have purchased this disc on NUMEROUS occasions. Thank goodness for internet..... as I was told a long time ago, this was out of production..... First after listening so much, to make sure I had one at home AND in my car. And, I think I lost another one or someone grabbed it up (a thief with great taste). That makes three.... and I have bought for at least one friend..... this is some serious "driving" music. I also used it for the background music of a home video a while back. It is amazing how many other songs and artist have MM in their music. Once you hear it.... it's like.... OMG, that's MM!!!! I have played MM before for friends..... I must say, not everyone "gets" MM.... but they just don't know any better!!!! What a shame! This is definitely a MUST HAVE CD.... probably not my last purchase.... yes, of the SAME CD..... If I was on a desert island and could only have three CDs for the rest of my life.... this would be one of the choices I'd take. Yes, I can say that FO SURE! There's another one for MM..... "Burning down the house!" I'm listening to The Ozell Tapes: Official Bootleg [Live]. It's an OK CD... but get this one instead!!!!!!

After hearing MM's duet with Victor Wooten on VW's new live CD (LIVE IN AMERICA), I was reminded just how much I love this CD. Even though it is "old" in term of years (released in 1993), I never get tired of these songs. This was one of the first "solo" bass CDs I ever bought, and I was incredibly impressed with Miller's skills, not only on the electric bass, but on the many other instruments he plays, his arranging, and his use of other talents around him. If you look at the liner notes, you don't find many names missing from his list of collaborators on this disc. Even using his kids on "Juju" doesn't come off as being corny or exploitive. "Panther," "Rampage" (with help from Miles Davis), "Mr. Pastorius," "Funny," & "The King Is Gone" stand out, but it's hard to pick just three or four--they are all great songs! This is a great car CD, cranked to make the tires shake as you're doing a cool 75 mph on the highway. . . .

I don't have some vast history of bass listening experience to compare him to, but Marcus Miller is as good as I've heard, and the only electic bass player who has come along since who is even close would be Victor Wooten (whose first solo CD is more of a solo and is about as good). Since this, MM has produced a couple of great discs: TALES & LIVE AND MORE, with his new CD, M2, getting rave reviews. I have ordered it and can't wait to hear it!

Now I'm just waiting for his bass clarinet "solo" CD. . . .

Marcus Miller has created a masterpiece with "The Sun Don't Lie", mixing the best of old with some of the best of the new. Each of the eleven cuts are equally moving. Tunes like "Panther", "Rampage" (featuring one of Miles Davis' final solo's), "Funny(All She Needs Is Love), and the remarkable cover of the Weather Report gem "Teen Town" move and shake with a touch of old school fusion and a modern day traditional jazz flavor. Ballads like "Steveland" (a tribute to Stevie "Steveland Morris" Wonder, one of Miller's biggest influences), "The Sun Don't Lie" with the haunting steel drums of Andy Narrell and the lyrical piano stylings of Joe Sample, and last but certainly not least, "The King is Gone (For Miles)", a tribute to Miller's biggest influence Miles Davis. Wayne Shorter, Kenny Garrett, Miles Davis, and an underappreciated alto performance by David Sanborn along with a never ending list of jazz artists young and old, make this a must have for any lover of heart felt jazz.

This guy is the very pinnacle of taste. He's not just an amazing bassist, but he is one of the best composers alive. This album is just one great tune after another after another. Dig it man!