Customer Reviews

Wish

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Excellent second album in Redman's series of six to complete ones library of Joshua Redman. However,for the first time listener,check out "Freedom In The Groove". It has better tunes(most written by Redman), and better performances all the way to the end track.

This CD is so melodic. Joshua's phrasing and development of his solos are always keeping you interested. Not to mention the very melodic originals. Also, Metheny and crew are really backing him up with 100% committment to the music at hand.

I became a Joshua Redman fanatic after hearing this album back in 1993 during my freshman year of college. Mind you, I had never previously heard his self-titled debut, nor any work from his superb, legendary sidemen of Metheny, Haden, and Higgins, so I entered this listening experience with no expectations. (Actually, I was kind of a jazz novice at the time and I was just snatching up anything of note.) I bought this album strictly off of the admonition of a glowing review from Jazztimes magazine and was so impressed that I began singing praises about Redman to anybody I came in contact with who expressed an interest in jazz.

Although in the presence of greatness with the aforementioned rhythm section, Redman holds his own and still manages to lead the way. Truth be told, Joshua pushes the veterans to keep up with him instead of the other way around, as his melodic "duels" (not duets) with Metheny attest. Haden and Higgins nail the time beautifully. Redman's tone, technique, and lyrical phrasings are all exquisite, but what I admire the most about this album is his expression of EMOTION, which is an attribute that is sorely missing in "post-bop, neo-jazz." After all, jazz is still "soul music" rooted in the blues.

Joshua was still meshing out his own identity in this his sophmore effort, so comparisons can be made with Rollins or Coltrane, which speaks more of his ambitious musings and wonderful technical displays than merely a critique of mimicry. By the time he carved his niche on his later efforts, however, the emotional sensitivity and improvisational excursions he exhibited here seemed to have dissipated, which is why "Wish" is still head and shoulders, his best effort thus far.

For a modern artist with a classic style you will definitely want to check out Joshua Redman. Listen for Pat Metheny. Jazz with an Afro-Latin twist. Extraordinary. It will make you Wish for more.

I have been a fan of Josh for a good six years now and have slowly been absorbing his albums. It has taken me a while, but I finally got to "Wish", his masterful sophomore effort. I'm listening to it presently and it is amazing. First of all, Josh has a gorgeous tone. Secondly, he's playing with a masterful rhythm section-among the best to ever inhabit a bandstand: Charlie Haden (from Ornette Coleman's famous 60's groups) and Billy Higgins (from a million other famous jazz recordings). Finally, throw in the great guitarist Pat Methany for good measure.

These four combine to create some simply beautiful music. Witness the lovely and restrained beginning of "Make Sure You're Sure" and the Clapton tune "Tears in Heaven". Just gorgeous. "Turnaround" and "Soul Dance" are both memorable softer tunes. Just when you might think this was a ballads album Josh throws in some great toe-tappers with "Deserving Many", "We had a Sister", and "Wish". Both live tracks end the disc on a positive, joyful note.

Highly recommended.

Redman and his rhythm section have a truly remarkable interplay throughput the album. Redman himself developes his ideas in a coherent and mature fashion. Metheny and Haden really mesh well, and this album is a definate buy for the post-bop lover.

This is my favorite Joshua Redman CD - and I like them all. "Wish" and "Blues for Pat" are worth the price by themselves. Charlie Haden and Pat Methany are excellent.

This collection is infectious!! After playing it not-stop for months I still hear new notes, chords, and tones. The opening cut "Turnaround" draws you right into what will become a cd that will always remain on your changer. While all of the musicians are very accomplished, the pairing of Joshua Redman & Pat Metheny is a match made in jazz heaven! "Soul Dance" is very fine and subtly interwoven on various levels. "Whittlin" is red hot! Every cut is brilliant and stands on its own. You simply must experience Joshua Redman's astounding talent and musical depth. Beware! Only for those who can appreciate the sophisticated complexities of jazz! This cd is a good place to start.

While in school, I listened to "Wish" when I was studying or reading. Redman's smooth sax helps mellow me out. Excellent CD for a candlelight dinner.

Joshua Redman is the son of the noted late sax man Dewey Redman, but he clearly has the talent to make it on his own. What is really encouraging is that his first two CDs featured him leading two different quartets, each with its own style, but each with a wide variety of music that really showcases Redman's deft musical touch.

On Wish, Redman fronts a quartet that his father has also fronted: Pat Metheny on guitar, Charlie Haden on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums. And yes, they start off with an Ornette Coleman tune, but before they are done, they play Stevie Wonder, Charlie Parker, and even Eric Clapton--but it all sounds like good jazz, never like fusion. If you love jazz, you will love both of these CDs.