3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't miss this one, August 23, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: Tha Go 'Round (Audio CD)
Sure, you haven't heard of them before. I hadn't either until a local station played "Steppin'". I stopped on the way home and bought the disc. That night I returned to buy the rest of their stuff. And I'm waiting for MORE!
These are four PLAYERS, each extremely polished. You can tell they don't just meet up to put together a disc and leave; they really know each other musically and while each is a standout soloist, they mesh perfectly. These aren't loosely thrown-together improv pieces that sometimes fly, sometimes fade. These are tight, sharp performances. Yet there is still ample innovation in the stylings, still striking imagination in the arrangements. Their rendition of Parkers' "Confirmation" absolutely grabs you with a gutsy (almost funky) downbeat and brilliant, articulate piano by Rodney Lee. Herb Graham Jr's drums sizzle and steam throughout.
Most is original material, but you'd swear some of this stuff belongs to the era of Miles, Trane, Coleman, Monk, Blakey. This isn't throwback music, tho. And it isn't revisionist jazz either. It's just got that same sensual spirit and cool texture all true jazz fans crave. If you're in L.A.s Crenshaw district, go ahead and make me jealous by seeing them live.
Also, pick up their first album (self-titled). The personnel was a little different, but the music still maintains that balance between staying true to the spirit of jazz while bringing a new breed of sophistication and musical intuition to the ear.
Think there's nothing new worth adding to your collection? Think everything that's come out since 1965 is a sell-out? Think true jazz is dead? Think again. Here's proof.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is a top, post-bob title for lovers of jazz and funk, June 14, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Tha Go 'Round (Audio CD)
This is a top CD by a very hard playing and hard gigging band. I saw this four piece steal the show at the Brecon Jazz Festival, Wales in Great Britain. The CD begins with a spooky number than moves on to funky jazz reminiscent of John Schofield. There is a great deal to enjoy for the curious listener who has not heard much jazz as well as plenty to the pure jazz lover. The upfront sax and lyrical piano blends superbly with the funk and rock drums and the melodic double bass. Check it out !
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5.0 out of 5 stars
great, June 19, 2009
This review is from: Tha Go 'Round (Audio CD)
the b sharp quartet never ceases to amaze me they always have great cds i just wish they would appear live in san francisco
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