Customer Reviews

Timeless Tales (For Changing Times)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Where would modern jazz be without Joshua Redman? He stands as one of the few living sax players capable of actually making and original statement with his instrument, and doing so ina manner that will leave a lasting impression on the listener. "Timeless Tales" is without any original Redman compositions, so a first time listener will not be able to hear the full abilities of this young man. Still, for someone new to jazz or interested in strong improvs of well known standards this is an excellent selection. If there are any complaints to be made they are few. The group is perhaps too laid back at times (Times They Are a Changing) but they still provide timeless renditions of "TImeless Tales" none the less.

Joshua Redman's openness to pop forms and his gifts for expressing its open emotions in language uncompromisingly that of Jazz's highest aspirations makes him a unique figure in contemporary improvising.On the tenor saxaphone he projects elements of the whole tradition of his instrument in Jazz-- Jump band, Soul, Bebop, Romatic Tenor Ballad, Free; his sound is his own, and his style is getting there.He understands how to construct drama in musical language.He has a centered tone,swings unerringly,creates elegant melodies within complex structures.Redman has expaned his horizons with each release, and his 1998 offering "Timeless Tales" is no exception. Joined by a brilliantly interactive peer group rhythm section (pianist Brad Mehldau,bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Brian Blade),the saxophonist interprets five songbook classics and five "new standards" blending a sophisticated understanding of Pop codes with a comprehensive command of the Jazz vocabulary. Give it a listen.

If kids today only knew what they were missing.Joshua Redman is a great musician and this is truly a wonderful recording.My favorite cut is "visions" a remake of the Stevie Wonder classic.Music like this never gets old unlike the garbage we are inundated with on radio and television.If anyone is interested in hearing some great TIMELESS JAZZ!PICK UP THIS C.D.

Where would modern jazz be without Joshua Redman? He stands as one of the few living sax players capable of actually making and original statement with his instrument, and doing so ina manner that will leave a lasting impression on the listener. "Timeless Tales" is without any original Redman compositions, so a first time listener will not be able to hear the full abilities of this young man. Still, for someone new to jazz or interested in strong improvs of well known standards this is an excellent selection. If there are any complaints to be made they are few. The group is perhaps too laid back at times (Times They Are a Changing) but they still provide timeless renditions of "TImeless Tales" none the less.

if you want to hear something new, revolutionary,you shouldn't listen to joshua. jazz-police men should go home and practise. when i heard him 5 years ago for the 1st time, i started to cry because it was so incredible beautiful.he is the reason that i picked up the saxophone . now i am a student at a very good conservatory. jazz-listeners, take it easy, he is one of the most emotional playing saxophonists ever.

Joshua Redman is one of the best of the jazz saxophonists active today. For a young guy he is steeped in tradition and has a rich musical heritage. This shows in the set list here. Redman moves from classic show tunes like "Summertime", "How Deep Is The Ocean", and "Love For Sale" to 'contemporary' songs by Prince, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles etc. with little or no effort. Some people complain that Redman is too polished. I don't know about that. Perhaps. Either way, this disc is a strong effort. The interpretations are enjoyable and evocative. The interludes run the gamut from haunting (Interlude 1) to forgettable, but most are only about 30 seconds long. In the end I'm left with a pretty satisfied feeling.

Recommended.

In this CD Joshua Redman sounds very mature. On his first few CD's I kept waiting for the fire and intencity that he shows in concert. Here he reveals that he is more interested in exploring the spiritual side of music, than establishing himself as a "young lion".

A wonderful collection. Covers a wide gambit of styles. I am surprised by some of the other reviewers who label it 3 stars. It really is a neat instrumental set. Great for quiet times.

Joshua has done a CD bordering on the commercial but which should provide some likable material for the classical jazz fan. I think the pieces done on tenor are the strongest but given the popularity of the soprano sax these days others may take a different view. It would be interesting to speculate on what the artist would record in the absence of the influence of agents and record executives. This overall is a good addition to my jazz collection and I am sure everyone can find something on this disk to their liking.

Last month I saw Joshua Redman at the Berkely Performance Center in Boston. I had bought this CD a couple of days before. The CD is great, and he puts on an even better show. Taking on tunes that he grew up listening to, and putting a Redman touch on them. The only thing the CD lacks, is more solo work.

Redman opened the concert in Boston with a 7-minute solo introduction to "Summertime" (similar to St. Thomas on Live at the Village Vanguard (Another great album)) I wish that he had let loose in the studio for a swingin' solo opener to one of these songs, but that's my only complaint

A great CD, and it seems like the project that Redman wanted to do at the time. Backed by a great band, who I saw, except Gregory Hutchinson replaced Brian Blade, two excellent drummers. A must have for Redman fans...