Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very enjoyable., May 16, 2007
The acclaimed contemporary jazz guitarist Norman Brown has not only ensured that the musicianship on thisalbum will be tight and cohesive, but also underlined the versatility and adaptability of the musicians who play with him.
It's his first release for Peak but seventh overall, in a career dating back to the early 1990's.
His 2002 album, Just Chillin', earned him a Grammy for best pop instrumental album, and that release, along with his earlier recordings for the MoJazz division of Motown Records, forms the basis of an impressive resumé.
On this album there is an impressive lineup of musicians : Rick Braun (trumpet, flugelhorn), Paulinho da Costa (percussion), Alex Al (bass), Kirk Whalum (saxophone), Nikkole and the smooth operator Brian McKnight on vocals.
Norman's vocals as well deserve some special attention, as they range from soft and smooth ballads such as "So In Love" and "Stay With Me", to the playful scat-singing of "Let's Take A Ride".
There are plenty of pure instrumental sounds among the cuts too.
My favourites, "So In Love", a sweet but vibrant song that really shows off Brown's guitar virtuosity, and "Soul Dance", which features some smooth and funky sax work by Sam Riney.
All in all, this is a peppy, elegant, inventive outing from a wonderfully cohesive band and from a virtuoso soloist, one that touches many bases to great effect.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Missed opportunity, June 10, 2007
I've been reading all these comments and it's hard to believe that so many people (Including a smooth jazz webradio owner) praise this new Norman Brown's album like his best album to date. Arguably Norman Brown is one of the most gifted smooth jazz artist you can find. His MoJazz recordings will remain for many years to come as an absolute reference point for the genre. Said that and after carefully listened "Stay with me" quite a few times I can't find a genuine explanation why so many people agree on this new album as his best work. Surrounded by an amazing crew (including his partners with B.W.B., trumpeter Rick Braun and saxman Kirk Whalum)Norman Brown is unable to ignite the fire that I personally expect from a musician of his caliber. Bland vocals (Norman definetely should stick to his guitar and ocassional scats) mixed with a set of instrumentals that won't surpass anything Norman Brown has done to the present. "Soul Dance" and "Pop's Cool Groove" (you can tell Paul Brown is behind this composition) are the only songs that vaguely reminded me "After the Storm", til this day in my humble opinion the best Norman Brown's album and without any stellar names in the personnel. I feel a great opportunity has been missed this time around considering the outstanding group of musicians available for this work. (Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Paul Brown, Sam Riney, Brian McKnight, Paulinho Da Costa and the list goes on). Even so,I still remain loyal to Norman Brown as one of my favorite smooth jazz artist and given time, he once again will amaze me with his unique talent and versatility.
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19 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
sounds like RAP, June 1, 2007
I really like Norman Brown. He reminds me of the late great Wes Montgomery, and Mr Brown was inspired by his music. However, this CD has only one good cut, mixed with what sounds like Rap music. I think his title begs the question, "Stay with Me". I don't think so, smooth jazz, please on your next CD.
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