Customer Reviews

Voodoo Bop

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

 

 

They've done it again! The boys from the big easy have made another leap out of the box, and into the future. In comparison to earlier efforts, Voo Doo Bop is more daring. It includes elements of live performance and free form exploration not fully evident on their prior release, Elevado. They are obviously commign of age in the recording studio, as this CD evidences no holding back from what, and who they are as individuals and a musical collective. AND...Johnny gets to sing! Each member represents himself well, and all but one are represents with compositions. (Next time, Tork?) Buy the disc, and hold on. You will learn why "The Queen is Slave to No Man."

After having seen Astral Project three times, I can guarantee that anyone with musical taste will love (or respect at the very least), this band. Singleton is one of the best bass players I have ever seen, and John V. is clearly the most colorful personality of the group. If you're ever in NO and want some good music, catch these guys live (they won't be on Bourbon Street or any tourist areas like that). They are also touring as Bobby McFerrin's band this summer

As good as Elevado is, Voodoobop is even better. These guys play together so well, weaving solos in and out, accompanying each other, that it really does seem as if it must be voodoo, or some kind of magic, that allows them to sound so good. Never do you get the feeling that there is any one player who is the star of the band; instead, you realize that the band is a musical constellation of five shining stars collectively illuminating their collective musical space. Reportedly, these cuts were recorded with the band playing together in the studio--no overdubbing or cutting and pasting things together. As you might well imagine, if the band is fully prepared and capable of playing this way (and that's a pretty big if!), such an approach can benefit both the performance and the sound; if you listen to this recording, you will know that Astral Project was ready, willing, able, and raring to go. Anyone who likes jazz should hunt this CD down and give it a good listen--this is one killer recording.

I saw this group for the first time at Jazz Fest 1999. Every musician is a star. Wonderful performers.