Customer Reviews

XII

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I own everything that Brian Culbertson has ever done, and he's on my automatic purchase list. This new release, for the most part, delivers the goods. The instrumental tracks are 4-star outstanding tracks and a case could be made that this is some of his best work to date. My beef with this new release is the vocal tracks. First, he comes out of the gate with a gimmicky track featuring Sinbad in the intro and some incredibly lame and inane vocals by Chuck Brown. Here's an idea for ya Chuck...Shut Up!!! If the vocals would have been jettisoned from this track it would have been one of the killer tracks on the album, if not the best track. Brian, you need to understand that the music is timeless, but all this gimicky trash gets old really fast when you listen to the tracks repeatedly. Then there's a couple of bland R&B tracks. Look Brian, if I want to hear Kenny Latimore and Avant (I don't), I would buy their CDs. Why you want to be reduced to being a session player on 4 tracks of your own CD completely evades me. Why don't you release the vocal tracks as a side project "Brian and the Culbertones" or something like that, and just PLAY on your own CDs.

Another good one from Brian Culbertson. Another reviewer used the word "consistent", which is definitely true, as in consistently good. Put it on and enjoy from start to finish.

Brian is having fun!! From a fun,funky jazzy start on track 1 to a smooth middle tracks 2 thru 8 and a strong finish tracks 8,10 and 12!! Great cd!! If you have a Brian Culbertson cd chances are you're a fan or becoming one! I have 10 of Brian's cd! Why stop now! XII is worth it!! Jam on Brian!!!

This CD is much better then the last one. I have been a long time fan of Brian and saw him in concert once and it was one of the best shows I have ever seen and will go see him everytime. He deviated a long ways from what is Brian Culbertson music last CD and this CD he has come back. Only thing bad is the vocal songs with R&B stars. I do not like my smooth jazz music with songs. 7 out of the 12 songs I really like. The least like 5 songs are the ones with Kenny Lattimore, Brian McKnight, Avant, and Faith Evans.

Another Blockbuster... for Brian.... Boy I love his music.....this cd is a "must" for his collection.....

A few weeks ago I reviewed "Diamonds" by Jonathan Fritzen and pronounced it smooth jazz album of 2010. In my review of his previous album, "VIP," I made the quote "move over Brian Culbertson, there's a new kid on the block."

I feel I must now eat my words because Brian Culbertson has come up with arguably the best album of the last 5 years and without a shadow of a doubt his best album ever.

He has been gradually moving away from the smooth jazz tag over his last couple of projects and now offers an album of diversity that incorporates funk, soul, new age, pop and of course smooth jazz.

The opening track featuring gogo maestro Chuck Brown would have been the best track on his last album "Bringing Back The Funk." We are then treated to guest vocalist Kenny Lattimore on "Another Love" and shortly afterwards guest vocalist Brian McKnight on "Out OnThe Floor." Now, as a lover of real soul music, I hate the dirge like R & B artists of the day but these two singers have successfully transcended that genre and are genuine bonafide soul singers with fantastic voices and credibility and acceptability within soul circles and Brian could not have chosen two better guests. There is a further vocal track, "Skies Wide Open," featuring Avant, who I am not familiar with but this is another great track, and the lead single. The final vocal offering "Don't You Know Me By Now" is the only track that has me reaching for the skip button.

And so to a clutch of fantastic instrumental tracks. The piano playing on "It's Time" is so powerful you half expect the instrument to bounce through your speakers! "Waiting For you" explores familiar smooth jazz territory, along with "That's Life" featuring Earl Klugh and "I Wanna Love You" featuring Ray Parker Jr, then there is the "Forever" which starts off with a solo piano section. The album finishes with the semi instrumental new ageish "I Don't Know."

I cannot recommend this album enough. It is quite simply awesome.

I would give this cd 10 Stars if I could.

I am an avid Jazz enthusiast and I know that some jazz lovers may be a little disappointed. To those critics "Chill Out" This CD is FUN!

I love XII. It is very original. Brian has managed to merge three generations of music greats on one cd. In fact he has managed to create a funky tune entitled "Feelin' It" featuring Chuck Brown (Bustin' Loose), Sinbad, Ray Parker, Jr. (Radio)and Faith Evans.

A true musician embraces many forms and types of music. They can gleen something from various genre. This is how original music is created. Look at the great Herbie Hancock. He was great in the '60s and he is still going strong in 2010. He couldn't do it if he was musically stagnated.

Remember, musicians are artist and every so often artist have to break loose, enjoy themselves and experiment. Just because they are jazz musicians do not mean that they don't enjoy other music.

To Brian Culbertson keep doing what you're doing. We love it!

I've been a Brian Culbertson fan for years!! I love his music so much. I love going to see him live & I have all his CD'S.. I'm a smooth Jazz lover Brian, have always put a touch of funk & R&B and jazz it up into smooth jazz!! If your looking for smooth Jazz out of Brian, on this one please don't buy it.. This CD is alot of R&B and R&B singing. The last CD & DVD that Brian put out is Ten times better than this CD.. I would rather listen to all his old songs over and over then this CD. Sorry this one did not work for me I was very disappointed..

If you're a fan, you won't be disapointed. If you're not one, YOU WILL BE!!!

If you love smooth jazz with a funky beat you will love this CD."Eyes wide open" is beautiful.Put this CD on with a glass of wine and listen and enjoy. Great CD buy it.