Customer Reviews

Wandering Moon

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

mr. blanchard returns to the format in which he first came to prominence as a "young lion" in the mid-1980s along with the brothers marsalis, donald harrison, et al. during that time the approach was neo-bop, featuring fast and furious soloing, complex charts, and a complete disdain for all things smooth or electric. here, the tone has shifted, becoming more cool, in a miles davis sense, with greater emphasis placed on developing moods and atmosphere. the playing is first rate, with mr. blanchard giving us a wide range of the trumpet's tonal palette. without using a mute, he creates the same sultry mood and feel, particularly on the opening track. the ballads are silky, and the interplay within the band is excellent. dave holland makes a great guest appearance on bass, and the presence of branford marsalis continues to whet the appetite for more releases from him. for a relaxed, but depthful session, give this a listen. as good as mr. blanchard's film music has been, this is a great reminder of his straight ahead jazz chops.

The lonelyness of the heart creates many images and yet touches the core of our being. Terence caresses this with a outing of superb lonely romance dwelled in modern hipness. The feel I get is, Herbie Hancock , Wayne Shorter 60s Blue note ventures. The side musicians blend and enhance Terences strong and longing playing. Edward Simon is stunning as usual in both his solos and comping. For anyone who loves pure Jazz with a classical suite enhancement, with all the hipness of the present, without the cliches of traditional Jazz, this is your cd. Adding,Terence playing is flawless and passionate as any great trumpet player, alive or deceased. A must for any true Jazz fan. 5 Stars

Ignore the 1 star reviewer. Jazz obviously isn't a mainstay of their musical palette and you have to take their opinion in that light. This person was looking for something they listened to on a movie soundtrack and so was disappointed to hear the real thing - duh. I too was in that state of ignorance once so I shouldn't criticize too much. Developing a taste for jazz, like fine wine, is something comes with time and can't be rushed. Buy this CD, it is simply brilliant and someday the critic will become the fan.

Trumpeter Terence Blanchard leads out on a terrific session accompanied by Aaron Fletcher, Branford Marsalis, and Brice Winston on saxophones; Edward Simon on piano; Dave Holland on bass; and Eric Harland on drums. Seven of the ten cuts are by Blanchard, one is by Simon, one is a standard (Mercer and Van Heusen's "I Thought About You"), and one is a short bass solo performed by Holland. The music is tight but expressive, and the playing seems perfect. Blanchard says in the liner notes that much of the music was composed with his wife in mind, and the love that comes through the compositions and the tenderness of the playing speak well for the quality of their union. The opening cut, "Luna Viajera" ("Wandering Moon"), sets the tone for the rest of the CD: very thoroughly composed, not just a riff, but strong in its emotional appeal without ever sounding sentimental. This is adult music, mature music, played by young hearts, jazz at its finest, a truly magical release.

Hauntingly beautiful with a combination of durge like tunes, Orleans influence and post bop - very enjoyable. Have not heard much of his earlier music - but this is a great introduction.

This is great. Only musicians of this caliber could explore Blanchard's compositions to this extent without diverging too far to miss the intent of each tune. The lone naysayer's soul needs reviving in their comment on emotional content as this is all emotion from head to solo. Only one who is truly oblivious to an entire spectrum of existence could suggest there is no emotion in these performances. Don't think, just listen and enjoy. And to the naysayer, there is more to life than just Hans Zimmer.

This is a great CD by a brilliant trumpet player. I have heard his music in numerous movies, including one of my favorites "Sugar Hill". Terrence Blanchard has a different sound and an old soul, but plays with the same depth as the MAN himself. The man, of course, Miles Davis. Every cut is enjoyable to the traditional jazz fan. Pick it up and save a place in the carousel.

This is a stellar jazz recording. One of Terence's best. His creativity as well as musicianship are intact. The musicians are all excellent. Especially Edward Simon on piano and Eric Harland on drums. I could go on and on but you need to listen to this music. A previous commentor posted an incredible 1 star review! His lone opinion. We all have one. Listen and review this recording for yourselves. Jazz lives on.

Wandering Moon is yet another example of the brilliant compositional skills of Terence Blanchard. The man's amazing writing and arranging chops are in very competent hands on this recording.

It's no surprise Blanchard has scored a movie or two - his approach to both his trumpet and his arrangements is cinematic and evocative. He combines this with a tone that can swing from knife-sharp to husky in the space of a measure. Joined buy master bassist Dave Holland and varsity trumpeter Branford Marsalis, the record is a journey that starts mysteriously, goes frenetic and resolves with a heartbreaking version of "I Thought About You".