Customer Reviews

Tales

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

 

 

The problem with most instrumental solo projects is that they are not usually all that interesting to non-musicians. Marcus has overcome that barrier with this, his finest, solo effort. Smooth, funky, sexy, entertaining, not to mention technically impressive, he plays many instuments besides bass. It is a theme album with short oral anectdotes about the history of black music woven between perfectly placed groove oriented musical statements. "Rush Over" is THE perfect make out song. A truely masterful demonstation of the electric bass taken to but rarely crossing the line of overplaying.

Marcus gets a little deeper and darker on 'Tales'. I love the interludes by all the cats; it adds depth to the musical experience. Since this album is more concept-based, its kind of unfair to pick out favorite tunes. However, 'Forevermore' may be the greatest Bass Guitar Ballad since Jaco did 'A Remark you Made' on Weather Reports' Heavy Weather LP. I mean, it just stays with you, its so hauntingly beautiful. 'Ethiopia' and 'Eric' also stand out, probably because he's using a different sounding bass. While the record doesn't seem to be necessarily geared towards radio formats, 'Tales' is a little more polished than 'The Sun don't Lie'; the tunes are more structured and laid back, and I do like that Bass Clarinet! Mature ears are probably best suited to hear this set of musical 'Tales'.

This guy is amazing, the quality of jazz he is putting out there is so deep, he has lots of great help, but he wrote the songs. "rush over" is a favorite. The sounds he makes on the bass, everything, the thumps, the plucks, slaps, this cd is well thought out jazz at it's best. Marcus Miller has a new fan. You can't help but turn the volume up. "infatuation" is so bad, as well as "tales". Right off the start from the first track, "the blues", JAMS. What a fantastic jazz cd that has it all, even when he slows it down, he still takes you deep. Also check out "the sun don't lie" his first release, more of the same funky jazz. If you love Victor Wooten or Louis Johnson, you will love Marcus Miller. He is so great, it sounds like there are 2 people playing on 1 bass guitar. This is jazz at it's best. You will enjoy this.

This album is a must have for all those people who love to hear thier sound systems rumble, but especially for those who love the bass guitar as an instrument. Compared to "The sun don't lie", this album is slightly more retro, but thats what I love about it. It has a very down home sound to it, and has some similar sounds in it to "Amandla" Infatuation is the most inspiring track to me and has the difinitive fretless sound.

I didn't think it was possible for Miller to come close to the music created on his landmark initial PRA Records release "The Sun Don't Lie". Now being that I am the biggest Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder fan in the world (the album was a tribute to these two heroes of Miller), it would be hard to top "Sun" et,al, but Marcus Miller nearly pulls it off on this effort.

Once again surrounding himself with a stellar cast of musicians ranging from Kenny Garrett on Alto, Michael "Patches" Stewart on the Harmon muted trumpet (ala Miles Davis), Lenny White on Drums and Percussion, Jason Miles wonderful sound programming, Joshua Redman on Tenor Sax, and a smashing vocal by Me'Shell NdegeOcello on "Rush Over", just to name a few on this star-studded album and study in jazz' history and versatility. "Tales" is an attempt to explain the history and experience that IS jazz music. It's quite a successful attempt at that. This sophomore effort by Miller is yet another incredible recording in this journeyman bass players career. I can only hope he releases a "new material" album as soon as possible. My highest recommendation. Five Stars +

This is a great album for Marcus Miller. Obviously all the funky grooves he uses on this CD sound like a continuation of his music with Miles Davis; Michael Stewart contributes muted trumpet in Davis's Style; Marcus Miller's Electric bass is a MAJOR force throughout the entire album; Sounding times like a real bass and times like a great funky soulful guitar.
If you are into some Bass/ Funk, Pop, Jazz and Fusion; or if you are into Miles Davis's Music with the extra bass sound; this album will be a real treat.

From start to finish, one of the most timeless jazz/blues/r&b albums and a favorite among my collection. A must-have for anyone who appreciates the work of a true master and enjoys a few "tales" from the more famous masters, along the way.

Yeah there is. Just about every bit of the sound but trumpet in Miles Davis' last few albums was courtesy of Marcus Miller, and that sound can indeed stand on its own. This man proves it in this album and its predecessor "The Sun Don't Lie". There's a fringe benefit in owning a Marcus Miller album, too. It shows you that your system has better bass than you thought it did. I just bought a new car with a player, and I took this album on the first commute. Now I'm doubly glad I own this disc! Oh, by the way, no relation. Unfortunately.