Customer Reviews

Why Not

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Michel Camilo presents a fantastic combination of jazz horns and keyboard over a latin style groove. The album presents a varied selection of compositions ranging in mood from quiet and reflective through to exciting and energetic. I thouroughly recommend it.

... at the time (1985), Michel Camilo was a little-known pianist who made his living scoring day-time soap operas. He was better known to the latin community, than to the jazz folks. This debut album, initially recorded for (and by) a Japanese label, proved groundbreaking in that it showed unequivocally that "latin jazz" didn't stop growing and maturing as a genre. Often times, you're not quite sure whether you're listening to Jazz or Latin music, not that you should care, if you really love music.

The first track, Just Kiddin' is simply thundering. I've never seen anyone not jump up upon hearing it for the first time. Its infectious groove, ebullient horn lines (and solos) are worth the price of the album in and of itself. The first half of the piano solo is, for lack of a better word, rockin', while the second half takes us on a whirlwind visit of Camilo's native Santo Domingo.

Other outstanding tracks on this CD are Hello And Goodbye (beautiful solo piano intro to a groovy latin track) with its irresistible piano solo; the convoluted but nonetheless thrilling ride of Why Not? and the atmospheric (at first) and stratospheric (once the band kicks in) Not Yet.

Special mention should be made on the world-class quality of the musicianship (ie, musicians) on this recording. Dave Weckl on drums and Anthony Jackson on bass provide unnaturally symbiotic accompaniment. The horn section is head and shoulders (pun intended) above any other except perhaps Ira Kere (at their best).

Simply put, you can't go wrong with this CD, if you like music, latin, jazz, or both. After this album, Michel Camilo felt the need to be taken seriously as a Jazz pianist, branched out into acoustic jazz and never again recorded material like this.

Michel Camilo is one awesome piano player! This CD still blows me away. The man is an amazing talent, period!

I think this CD was my first exposure to Mr. Camilo a number of years ago and he totally blew me away. What he can do with an acoustic piano is amazing. I don't know if I've ever heard anyone play piano quite like Michel. He can play with a soft and beautiful touch when required but he can really pound the keys and does some amazing runs. His technical ability is superb. I'm sure some of the jazz purists might frown on his style of piano playing because he can play quite hard at times but I really don't care. He's got some top shelf players on this disc including the great bassist Anthony Jackson and world class drummer Dave Weckl so you know there is no turkey being served here. When Michel takes off running Weckl is right there with him. You cannot go wrong with this CD.

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