Customer Reviews

Turn It Out (Reissue)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A lot of acid Jazz B3 groups have been popping up here and there, each with their own edge. Of all them SOULIVE is the most authentic. The organist has a soulful, solid and slick bassline and the groove is good. This isnt just pseudo Jimmy Smith with a hip hop beat, bebop, MMW or McGriff/booglaoo wannabe stuff. The sound is solid enough that a Jazzer would dig it, and funky enough for the dance/acid Jazz scene. Not only can they kick the funk they can get mellow as well. Check out Big John Patton, Larry Goldings, Reuben Wilson, Funk Inc. and some of the classics if this tickles your fancy.

I first saw these guys when they were just starting out at the Ben and Jerry's festival in Vermont. Seems fitting, doesn't it? Right then and there I picked up "Get Down!", Soulive's REAL dubut album. They had one hell of a sound.

This album stays very true to their jam band roots. Songs are often 15 minutes long, with 5 minute solos. You can tell the crowd loves them, and the more you listen, the more you wish you were in the crowd. They are so funky, it's unbelieveable. You'll find yourself cheering after the solos.

However, after a little while, the songs tend to get old. They're solos have no changes in them, and they tend to get flat after about 10 minutes. I really want to give them 5 stars, but I can't for that reason only.

But what do you expect? They're a jam band for crying out loud. They're meant to be seen live. Chances are, if you were live, you'd be enjoying them more. And that's what you have to understand when you hear this album.

You should definatly pick this one up if you're a funk fan. It's totally worth the cash. And go see them live - I have a feeling it's an experence you won't forget.

I have listened to every one of soulive's albums. I have been a fan of theirs for years and I like them a lot. I think that they're best album is TURN IT OUT. I think this because it has a nice calm and quiet sound. It is their original, small club sound and it is laid back. It is an album you can just pop in when you are relaxing at home or something you can play at a party. You can lounge or dance to it. It is a Soulive album for all people and shows their distinct, original sound. Eric Krasno uses a little of pedals to change the sound of his guitar, but mostly it is just the true sound of Soulive and the true sound of the band members playing their instruments when they first started out. The band members being Alan Evans-Hammond B3 Organ, Neal Evans-Drums, and Eric Krasno-guitar. This is the true, hip sound of soulive. This album still has the top spot on my list.

My actual review of this album is also on here. Again, this album kicks, and it kicks hard, and it ensures some of the tastiest grooves a human could possibly conjure. Someone had compared Medeski Martin & Wood with Soulive, stating that they are "very, very similar". Just for the sake of getting a more accurate impression out there to potential listeners of Soulive, I would dare say that they really aren't. And to say that Soulive's music isn't as hiphop influenced as MMW's, I would also say, is a fallacy. I feel like MMW's music has more feels from latin and shuffle grooves and other genres (their cover of Brigas Nunca Mais, Coconut Boogaloo, Shuck It Up, Lifeblood, Note Bleu, etc.), and their style is real varied and eclectic. For that I love their music. Soulive is different. Their groove hits in a different part of the gut, and it turns your head a different way. It seems to have more flavor from self-cited influences like Jimmy Smith and Grant Green --- some of the earliest foundations of hiphop music. Their grooves are more urban. Whatever your preference, check out this album. It will undoubtedly fulfill itself in your list of most important records.

Best combination of soul, jam, funk music around. Liquid movements of the B-3 and guitar are perfect. Eric Krasno(guitar) impresses with a technical touch and a free sound that is a great combination of Coltrane freedom and Scofield smoothness. Alan Evans(drums) is a great foundation for the band with great changes. Neal Evans(B-3) is an orchestra in himself with amazing runs and smokin'fast feet. Definately reccomend this to everyone who loves music. Can't get enough of it.

I know Soulive hit it pretty big with Blue Note Records and that Doin Something album, but this is where it started, in my opinion. I really dig this album. It is a tiny bit muddy as far as how it was mixed/produced, but I'd rather have that than the overbrite overproduced sounding Blue note release. And a lot of the grooves on the newer release are just rehashed grooves from this one, but with horns or a new head. So I think this is where it's at. Some damn great tunes and a couple firey live tracks. Wow. Track #2 is Hot! So is Jesus (I think that's the name of it.). Good stuff.

I caught this trio opening for John Scofield at the Wetlands with Bev. They blew my mind. I have some sick chops, but this guy is off the hook. Even Seibs can't keep up with this scene. Also, the B-3 adds elegant grooves and subtle swing-like tendencies to the tunes. The reissue also features the Sco-daddy on a few tracks which is an excellent call. It reminds me of mid-era Brevin and the Knights. Truly a great cd in this genre.

There are few musicians on the scene today that have listened to the masters this well and incorporated the style and sound that makes up Soulive. The entire album features a solid soul groove and chops to match. There really are no other trios playing this stuff as tight and with as much authenticity as Soulive. Just when you thought the jazz/funk scene was spinning its wheels... Look no further, these guys are the real deal.

Buy this. Turn it up. You won't believe the skill of this b-3 player. I couldn't imagine being present for a live experience. I hadn't even heard of these guys before-- I stumbled on to a gold mine. A must for those who collect organic, funky, groove music. These guys are masters.

These guys are monsters. Neil Evans is a prodigy. Totally unbelievable. He has total uncoordinated independence and is totally ambidexterous. I reccommend seeing them live NOW!