Customer Reviews

Vibes Alive

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

 

 

It is not often that one comes across a smooth jazz vibraphonist. This is very good stuff. "Smooth Move" was the reason I bought the CD but I am also partial to the gentle sounds of tracks 3,6,9,& 10. If you want music to relax you, but not bore you, buy this CD. I wonder when Dirk will release a follow up(???).

This album came out a number of years ago, and it remains one of my very favorites. The cd features many talented musicians surrounding the incredible sound of Dirk on the vibraphone.

Some of the songs got decent SJ airplay in the late 90's, but you will find each song worthy in it's own right. They are melodious and genuinely uplifting. Wonderful to drive to, or as perfect background to anything.

The album selections transition nicely, and Dirk allows his accompanying musicians, especially his guitarists to shine.

If you like smooth jazz, you will not be dissappointed. If you like the vibraphone, you will be overjoyed with Vibes Alive. Now...when can we expect a follow-up cd, Dirk?

With help from Jeff Lorber's production and keyboards, Dirk Richter's 1997 debut demonstrates the vibes are a viable lead instrument in the smooth jazz genre, capable of invoking a sultry tropical groove or slick urban jungle funk. Contributing to a steady, solid groove throughout are session aces such as bassists Jimmy Johnson and Jimmy Haslip, drummer Carlos Vega, and percussionist Luis Conte. Co-producer Randall Crissman's electric guitar also provides a notable foil with several burning solos. "Smooth Move", the lead-off track, is reprised with a radio-edit version, and features the most compelling and memorable melody of the ten compositions.

THIS IS A GREAT SMOOTH JAZZ ALBUM, PERFECT LISTENING
AFTER A STRESSFUL DAY !!!
"VIBES ALIVE", "SO CAL" AND "ON SECOND THOUGHT"
ARE SUPERB, IN FACT JUST ABOUT EVERY TRACK IS A
JOY TO LISTEN TO.
THIS C/D IS OUT OF PRINT, SO PICK UP A USED COPY
WHILE YOU CAN !!! DON'T MISS OUT !!!

I just received this disk (used, thank god) and it is execrable! I ordered it in the first place because one of the cuts appears on a compilation I have, and I have rarely been so disappointed in a piece of work.
At best, it is "jazz lite," AT BEST! It belongs in that highly regrettable ilk of 80's pap, along with the likes of Spyrogyra and Jeff Lorber Fusion (JL appears on this thing as well), mall jazz for the smart set. Avoid it!