Customer Reviews

Vinnie Colaiuta

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

 

 

I've had this cd for years and still listen to it frequently. But I have to admit that i'm dissapointed whenever I listen to it. This is due to my selfish expectations of the record. Avid followers of Vinnie know that he can play absolutely anything on the drums. He can take the most complex odd timed stuff and make it groove like no one ever has. He has played some of the most off the wall, mindblowing drum tracks ever. On this record though, he holds back and concentrates more on crafting quality music. Maybe he felt (and rightly so) that he had nothing else to prove in terms of ability. But I was expecting him to break new ground on this record. It has its moments. He does a wonderful Tony Williams impression, and I have seen discussion groups on the I'm Tweaked groove, but overall his playing is a little restrained in my opinion. If you want to hear him go nuts, check out the Chick Corea Acoustic Band Live from the Blue Note Toyko import. He subs for Dave Weckl and plays stuff that simply cannot be described. You just have to hear it. Overall, Vinnie is a genius and my favorite drummer. His playing on Sting's Seven Days Is my favorite drum track off all time. Perhaps my expectations for his solo record were unreasonable.

I'm not a straight jazz fan...I've always liked it mixed with the straight-ahead rock edge.

I'm not a drummer either, but I appreciate one that can mix it up and adapt to different styles.

I bought this cd because I had heard his work with Frank Zappa and figured he would present a better "jazz" album that the typical jazz musicians. Well, I was right...

The album opens with a funky, metallic, jazzy rocker called "I'm Tweeked" and then moves into hip-hop and world beats, through some straight jazz and then back into some rock-jazz tinged sounds. Vinnie's drumming is excellent and the song structure is strong enough to keep your attention.

This does not sound like a drummer's solo album...it's a very well put together jazz/rock experience that should be heard...and emulated by others!

I love every inch of this recording; it's an incredibly eclectic mix of material, which is rare (and refreshing) in this day of pigeonholing and demographic market research. Vinnie plays some awesome stuff as always, but what's most impressive here is the range and maturity of his writing. "Darlene's Song" is a gorgeous ballad. "Momoska" has a really nice meditative quality to it. "Slink" shows off some very interesting melodic/harmonic twists and turns which the horn players seem to feed off of. Also, the programming and sound choices on some of the more "electronic" pieces, such as "I'm Tweaked", "Private Earthquake", and "Chauncey", were very impressive to me.

We all know the guy plays with unspeakable virtuosity on the drums which is amply displayed on countless other recordings (most or all of which I own!), and we get that here, but this offering reveals to the listener a new perspective: one as a leader/composer/producer as opposed to the more familiar drummer/sideman. He doesn't just throw together a band, play some cover tunes, put some blistering solos over the top and call himself an artist; instead, he digs deep and ultimately shows us what's inside his head musically.

The last thing I want to hear is another drummer-led recording wherein the concept of the compositions is little more than an excuse to get to the soloing. This recording has borne many repeated listenings because it keeps surprising me. Hey Vinnie, how 'bout another one? And remember: Play..........play good!

Simply put, I have respect for the man. Why? Because he did something totally different than anyone was expecting. It wasn't a bunch of flashy drum stuff, it showed his compisitional side and how much he enjoys things that don't require a lot of drums. It was different, but great anyway.

Vinnie Colaiuta's self-titled album was recommended to me by a friend who was a mutual Frank Zappa zealot - of course, that's where I heard Colaiuta's work originally. Upon first listen, I was quite apathetic to the majority of the album; however, my disinterest quickly subsided after subsequent listens. It's one of those albums that grows on you, like many of the late Frank Zappa's - whose influence is apparent on this album. Additionally, this album features an array of guest performers, including some of whom Vinnie Colaitua has played with before, including: Sting, Chick Corea, John Patitucci, Herbie Hancock et al. A well-constructed and highly recommended album!

1/22/08: I've upgraded my rating to four stars and I'm posting this overdue update to my original review. I've started listening to this disk again on my long commute. It took me awhile but I get it now! Sorry Vinnie, this really is a great offering....thanks!

Vinnie is one of those musicians that you just have to see live to fully appreciate. He's truly one of a kind and an amazing improvisor, as well as having great chops and a "in the pocket" groove. In spite of this, I've been listening to this disc since it came out and I still don't understand it. With the awesome lineup of stellar players on this you'd expect some memorable stuff but it seems it's all about odd meters and odd samples here. Not enough grooves! I'm a music fan, not a mathematician. I love you Vinnie but this not the disc I would put on to showcase your abilities. Keep 'em coming though!

I BOUGHT VINNIES ALBUM AS SOON AS IT BECAME AVAILABLE IN THE UK.I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM THIS CD.MY FAVOURITE HAS TO BE BRUCE LEE.LISTEN TO VINNIES PLAYING ON THIS TRACK,THERE IS A SIMALARITY BETWEEN BRUCE LEE AND HIS CHOPS,AND VINNIE WITH HIS.BOTH ARE AT THE TOP OF THERE ART.FINAL THOUGHT.TO BE THE BEST YOU GOTTA LISTEN TO THE BEST.I LOVE AND RESPECT YOU VINNIE.

I bought this CD waaay back when it was released and studied it intently as a drummer/musician. What I came away with was a new sense of how time can be applied to music. Vinnie, is the only cat that I have heard that can play behind, ahead or right on top of the beat with metronomic precision while still making the groove *feel* good. This is a monumental achievement and I think one of the most important things to consider while listening. There are alot of very subtle things going on within this album. As a drummer, I will say that you may not be able to fully grasp some of them unless you have put in some serious hours with a metronome. But you'll feel it and be bobbing your head or tapping your foot just the same. Achieving machine like alignment with a metronome is only the 1st step. You gotta then figure out how to make it feel good and that ain't easy...Vinnie has done it.

Of course, Vinnie has incredible chops and an inhuman command of odd time signatures and you can hear just how comfortable and relaxed he is with these. The word "finesse" comes to mind.

I admire that Vinnie created an album of excellent music with some amazing drumming instead of another Super Chops-Volume 3. It shows his maturity as a composer and overall musician. The *music* on the this record is really good and enjoyable to listen to. Those reviews that say was is holding back are correct. And thank the heavens he did.

P.S.The recording and production/mixing/mastering are also very high quality and still hold up over 15 years later. The CD is a good reference point if you are an audio engineer-

Vinnie has always been an inspiration to me, so I decided to buy his album. It was great! He has some really wacked out fusion! Buy this!! Especially if you're a fan of Vinnie or just Jazz Fusion!!

What can I say? Vinnie is a truly master of drums and great drummer of all time. You can hear his skill, technique and musicality in this GREAT album. Nice job Vince! May God Bless you always!