Customer Reviews

Xenoblast

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

 

 

This is hard driving improvisational music. It is endlessly creative and incredibly well recorded. It is also very difficult to discribe if you've never heard it. The compositions twist and turn and twist again. It's not the typical theme > solo > theme, more of a theme > solo > theme > solo > theme > solo etc... That's what makes this music so vital & fresh, a JMP album is never predictable even after you've listened to it 30 times, you'll still hear new changes and colors with every listen. If you enjoyed either of their two previous albums check this one out - it smokes! If you dig highly complex groove orinted space jazz look no further. This is the music of the future & thanks to Blue Note for spreading it to the masses. Enjoy!

Having enjoyed 'tour de flux' for a few years and seen JMP live, I was happy to hear some new music of theirs. I don't think that this album has the melodic strength of Tour de Flux, nor are the songs quite as engaging. This album upon first listen does not have a tune like "flux", "nimbus" or "country down" that grabs the listener immediately. Likewise, the drumming of Jon Fishman, which is absolutely incredible on "tour" is missed on this album. The only other criticism I would have is that Trey Anastasio's guitar work is not used on a better tune. "hang ten" is basically a rhythm workout without any real solos.

The minor negatives out of the way, this album does feature some amazing musicianship and playing. JMP finds plenty of time to jam in the context of the tunes, but also locks into some very tight, funky grooves (check out 'double agent', 'dromedary'). Though the tunes are not as instantly endearing, the album improves after repeated listening. Of course, live shows are the best context in which to exerience this band. Recommended.

I was really impressed with this album. Jamie Masefield's compositions all vary- ranging from the rocking title track, the jam-bandy "Milliken Way", to the compositionally profound "Igor" to the silliness of "Hang Ten" the late night jam with Trey Anastasio. I have seen these guys live a bunch and they really build the songs to an awesome level when they are playing together (especially the trio of Dahlgren, Hoenig and Masefield). The songs on this album certainly are a great teaser to their live shows. And the crafty composition combined with the technical poficiency of Masefield is incredibly impressive. TOTALLY worth your money.

Great album. Jamie is just a plain flat out a great musician. As is with all JMP's album, this is a must buy. This is a band that you have to see live also. It makes the album listening a ten times better experience.

I don't know how these guys do it, but every time I hear them or see them, they've taken their unique approach to music to a new level of excellence. This album is no exception: it has all of the brilliant improv and exceptional composition as their previous releases, and the introduction of Hoenig's subtle and mind-altering drums really makes this one take off.

When I first listened to this album I thought it was decent, but put it away for several months. I usually opted for "Tour De Flux" over this album. I just grabbed this CD a couple of weeks ago to give it another shot, and it has grown on me tremendously. This is just as good as their other albums if not better. These guys are amazing, check them out live too!

If your interests run toward the mosh pit and you're looking for riffing rhythms- free from sentimentality- for hopping up and down- this is for you! This is one jam-happy group and well recorded at that.

Unfortunately if your interest is in jazz and mandolin- there's one recording that must be heard to comprehend its potential... Andy Statman's Flatbush Waltz (Rounder Archives 2006)... Like hearing an Eric Dolphy on mandolin- Andy produces sublime, eccentric, joyful pyrotechnics with guitarist Steve Carlini and a Weather Report alumnus on percussion. Like Xenoblast , it's neither Bill Monroe bluegrass nor David Grisman mambo nor Paul Glasse swing but something indescribable to those who appreciate it.

Garrison... Texas Valley, Georgia