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31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A stunning collection!, May 24, 2005
Excuse the hyperbole, but this album is stunning. It's so much more than a virtuoso performance from the basic trio of Sam Yahel (keyboards), Jeff Ballard/Brian Blade (drums,percussion) and the masterful Redman. It encompasses a width and depth of material that displays a willingness to adopt and adapt styles and material from what may seem on first viewing a bizarre set of sources. Then of course there are the guests, who themselves come from a musical spectrum, but are added and used in ways that enhance the overall performance - they are not there simply to be luminary names. It's also important to stress the performance of Redman,who continues to propel forward and lead others to follow him.The choice of the name 'Elastic Band' implies the kind of elasticity that he's capable of generating and 'Momentum' is generated throughout the album.Difficult to pick favourites as it's such a strong outing, but I'll start by picking the version of Ornette Coleman's "Lonely Woman which has the added delight of Stephon Harris on vibes, as does the next track, the Redman composed "Swunk" which features Redman on soprano sax. In trio mode their version of Led Zep's "The Grunge" is an absolute delight as is the Redman composed "Sweet Nasty".The guests are always there for a purpose or a sound and in "Put it in your pocket" which is another Redman track ?uestlove on drums, Nicholas Payton on trumpet and Peter Bernstein on guitar all contribute to the development of the theme. I could continue, but it would probably detract from the need to shout "Buy it!". This is one of the most satisfying albums of the year in any genre. It deserves to be played loudly (and I mean loudly), and begets the question where will Redman go next? Stunning!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
SEATTLE CANCELLED?!?!?!?!?!?!?, February 18, 2006
OUCH!!!! I have been a slave to this CD for months. Playing it in my car with my sub nearly jumpin' outta the trunk makes life worth livin'. It reminds me so much of that fabulous funky jazz of the early 80's...like Weather Report and early Brecker Brothers. I was prepared to drive for 3.5 hours to the Joshua Redman and the Elastic Band show at Jazz Alley in Seattle from Hood River, Oregon in January, but at the last minute...cancellation!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE COME BACK TO THE NORTHWEST SOON! Portland misses you!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
BUY THIS If You Like Jazz!, February 21, 2007
This is by far my favorite of Joshua Redmans albums. I can play it over and over without tiring of it. It's definitely not as traditional sounding as his other projects, but I think it's a great step. This is a very creative album with no duds. I like to see artists evolve and try different things. Imagine is Sting were still doing top 40 pop tunes like the early days. It would get tiresome after a while. (But then again, I think top 40 music is tiresome before it begins)
There's a lot of great groove and funky stuff on this album. Kind of like Down To The Bone's stuff, but not repetitive. I personally haven't noticed the short length of the songs. I usually play it on my home stereo while doing something else, so I'm not faced with the track times like I would be on the computer.
Unless you hate jazz you should definitely own this album.
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