Customer Reviews

Third Wish

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New York Times jazz critic Nate Chinen characterizes this album as "modest but rewarding." After putting Mike's Between the Lines on his "Best of 2007" list, Nate seems a bit let down. I know what he means. Between the Lines was my personal favorite of 2007, and Third Wish does not have the same adventurousness, beauty, or brilliant conception. But it does have Mike's intriguing touch, the soft, ringing tone, and relaxed feel. The highpoints for me are "Isotope," an up-tempo blues, whose spirit reminds me of Pat Metheny's 1981 "Turnaround," and a soothing version of "Lush Life." A lot of younger players seem to avoid the blues; maybe it doesn't mean as much to them as to us old timers. But in my opinion you can't really play jazz unless you can play a good blues, and Mike's playing on this tune is a lot of fun. Kevin Hays also plays a Keith Jarrett like solo on "Isotope" through some virtuosic time changes, and his Fender Rhodes playing on later tracks sounds as good as anything I've heard on this instrument since Uri Caine on Dave Douglas's Strange Liberation.

I'm 59 years old. Six kids, 5 grandchildren and 35 years of drumming have gotten me a little sceptical about today's music. Then I stumble across a young artist like Mike Moreno and I get knocked out by what's heppening in music all over again! This guy is just plain excellent in his feel, harmonic execution and choice of notes. And he writes his own stunning Jazz as well. It's beautiful stuff. Buy this CD if you trully love Jazz!!

Fantastic recording and fantastic interplay among the members of the band.For sure one of the best jazz recordings for 2008.Kevin hays is oncemore excellent here .

This a beautiful incredibly well executed CD.

Mike is one of the most important young guitarist in jazz today, full of thought provoking emotion and intelligent composition. And all of the players surrounding him are first rate.

Moreno's tone is so pleasing to listen to. The group is tight and authentic with a solid yet silky groove. If this was on vinyl I would have worn it out already. You can get totally lost in the the interaction between Moreno, Hayes, Scott, and Weiss. I've been itching to get down to NY since it came out. Overall this is a must have record. I love that there are these guys (and more) making jazz today. Some of the best stuff in jazz history is happening in NY right now and these guys are a big part of it.