Jazz Fusion Music

When you get anything from any of these 3 musicians, you would usually expect something worthy of your music collection. I was kinda dissapointed by this CD. I will buy a CD just for one track if it catches my ear. The rest usually take some time in getting some listening to appreciate. There is none of that on here. I have owned this cd for years now and have tried it on many times to see if there was something I wasn't hearing before...no luck. Sorry, but this only gets 2 stars from me and thats just because I find it hard to give these guys any less. There is just no focus here...get GHS3 instead.

As always I continue to look out for the newest stuff that these guys put out. This particular recording to me is simply boring and uneventful. A couple tunes are worthy but the rest is complete mush. I love Steve Smith to death but his bland plain drum tone is almost the same on all these newer recordings. Take a listen to the "Players" disc or Vitals "global beat" . Much warmer and fuller tone. Live its a different story. But im not impressed with the recordings that are being done at his home studio. If this was the first disc you heard by any of these guys, you might not ever buy one from them again.

Nice playing, but beware. The sound quality is nearly unacceptable. It sounds like the musicians are playing in a different room. The producer or someone involved in the mixing or mastering process must have slipped on the mixer board or something. The loss of midrange and treble energy makes the record kind of uninvolving. And I'm not talking about the sound through a super high-end system (my stereo setup is rather "modest", worth about $1500). Out of five stars I give the music four weak stars and the sound one strong star.

Tone Center presents another Jazz/Rock/Fusion all star band. Stu Hamm is the bassist that many have seen with Satriani. If you are wondering what he would sound like in a Fusion context here is your answer. Stu joins two parts of Vital Information and the results are very good. This is the sequel to "Show Me What You Can Do". It is different in nature than the first but I find it to be an improvement. The first disc was largely improvised and much more rock orientated. This disc is an improvement composition wise and the playing is still excellent. Each member is given a brief solo piece in addition to the full ensemble tunes. "The Spirit of Dundun" is the best of the three solo pieces and has Steve Smith showing why he is a poll winning drummer. As far as the ensemble tunes are concerned they are far mellower than on the previous release. The tunes show that the trio spent more time composing than on the first disc. "The Throne of Savitar" is a RTFesque mini-suite that is one of Frank Gambale's finest compositions. All three members display their talents on this one. "First Look" is a Stu composition. This is also a great advance compositionally for the band. All three members are featured at one time or another but this is a showcase for the amazing bass of Stu. The rest of the disc is also very good. The overall tone/volume/feel/mood is on par with the Vital Information discs. Mellower but still amazing playing throughout. If you like fusion then buy this one. Another victory for Tone Center.

Generally, I find Gambale's playing/compositions to be cheesey and uninteresting. While technically proficient, they often lack substance. On the other hand, this album (along with his work w/ Chick Corea and his 1989 live album) stands out as a work of inspiration and passion. The entire mood of the album is thoughtful and intelligent, while remaining soulful and energetic. Steve Smith and Stu Hamm forge an unstoppable rythm machine and the interplay between the three is seemless. A great buy for jazz-rock fans.

This CD came as a surprise with regard to the variation of recordings. The snippets did it little justice. Once hearing the entire compilation I was elated! The variety of holiday standards was awesome! The entire CD is simply wonderful! A must for any collection.

Latin Jazz Christmas

this is by far the best compilation of latin jazz christmas I ever listen.
Ed Calle and Arturo are great together.

I love the punch and zesty of this music. Jazz will always be a heightened style of intrepretation of music so this one has emotion only associated with jazz. It is a great complilation!

I have 4 Holiday cd's and this addition is by far the best. Very well done in a Jazzy mode.

This CD absolutely smokes! A collection of incredibly, hot, innovative latin-jazz interpretations of holiday classics. This CD is not designed for quiet fireside contemplation. I played it last year while we trimmed the tree and the entire family ended up bopping around the family room. Truly a lot of fun!

PLEASE NOTE: This CD was put out a couple of years ago as "Playboy's Latin Jazz Christmas: A Not So Silent Night" but with a different cover. That's great because the original had a Playboy Bunny on the cover which may have discouraged some people from checking it out. That was a shame because it's an absolutely wonderful CD.

There are many venues for Charlie Haden's talents, from the large, politically charged ensemble, Liberation Music Orchestra (co-founded with Carla Bley) to the trios with Enrico Pieranunzi, Paul Motian and Gerri Allen, Egberto Gismonte and Jan Garbarek, Metheny and Billy Higgins and early Keith Jarrett trios and quartets. Along the way there have been a number of one-time smaller group projects aside from the Quartet West group. These have featured the likes of Brad Mehldau, Ornette Coleman, Lee Konitz, Michael Brecker, etc.

While many of these recordings are among the best jazz you can hear, it is in the duo format that you can best enjoy the beautiful deep, rich and intricate sound that Haden creates better than any other jazz bassist in the genre. Check out Haden and John Taylor's superb piano/bass Nightfall, or None but the Lonely Heart with Chris Anderson and, of course, there's ...Missouri Sky with Pat Metheny. Even Steal Away with Hank Jones, though it sounds a bit dated now, still demonstrates Haden's sensitivity to the duo context.

At the top of that duo list is In Montreal, reuniting Haden with Egberto Gismonte. Brazilian born Gismonte is primarily considered a guitarist and a spectacular one he is but his keyboard skills are beyond impressive. As a duo, Haden and Gismonte have created a recording with some of the best live engineering you can hear even in comparison to the typical high ECM standards.

From the opening track, Salvador through the 12+ minute closer, Don Quixote, the music is excellent, movingly beautiful without ever losing a sense of excitement. The duo's version of Gismonte's Palhaco surpasses the original. If there is one nit-pick it is that the applause goes on a bit too long and too loud. But that is a nit and all in all, if there were only one jazz recording I could keep, it wouldn't be Kind of Blue or the Köln Concert. (well...maybe I'd try to sneak the Köln Concert in too).

...that is actually not so simple. The fact that there are only two musicians playing here, and that this is a live recording, with no overdubs, belies the complexity of the compositions. There's a lot going on here - Haden's reputation has been well-established, as has that of Gismonti, and they each live up to every bit of it in this performance. Gismonti's guitar work alone makes this disc worth the price - joined with Haden's stellar bass playing, the level of compositional achievement by both (Gismonti wrote or co-wrote seven of the nine tracks - Haden wrote the other two), the quality (crystalline, as always, from ECM) AND quantity (79 minutes) of the recording, it adds up to a disc that's hard to pass up.

I agree slightly with one or two of the reviewers below - those who prefer Gismonti's guitar pieces to those that feature the piano - but I would hardly dismiss the latter as `Keith Jarrett knockoff'. Simply because there are similarities to be heard - or even influences - doesn't mean that Egberto's work should be slighted as `derivative'. The echoes of his Brazilian roots can be heard throughout most of his work - he has taken that foundation and built upon it a strong, individual portfolio of his own creativity. It shines with the unique qualities of his soul, as the work of any true artist does. His guitar playing - on a specially designed 10-stringed instrument - never fails to make my jaw drop. I would swear at times that there is more than one guitarist playing - but I know from listening to Egberto's other recordings that this is not the case.

Even though Charlie Haden contributes only two compositions to this set, those two pieces are striking in their beauty and depth - his sense of melodic structure is breathtaking. His work - both writing and playing - places him in the highest ranks of performers and composers in jazz or any other genre. He has distinguished himself throughout his career as a sideman, composer and leader.

This is a wonderful opportunity to hear two masters at work - or, considering the joy that is so obvious in this recording, `at play' - in a setting that is wonderfully uncluttered and honest.

Listen to Keith Jarrett's "Sundial/Sand" album and you'll find that Gismonti's style owes a great deal -- perhaps a bit too much, actually -- to Mr. Jarrett's earlier grooves.

I loves the bass/guitar pieces on this album: They're fantastic. But when Gismonte hits the boards, I feel like I'm hearing a cross between a Jarrett knockoff and a late-80s Windam Hill album.

Definitely a mixed bag.

Being a long time Egberto Gismonti fan,"Sanfona" remaining as my to date favorite, it is such a pleasure to hear these performances with Mr. Haden. Impeccable, inspired performances that are a joy to hear. Thank you again Manfred Eicher for bringing all of ECM's beautiful music to the world.

. . . but I agree with others that this is really Egberto Gismonti's record. And what a record it is!

It's not that Gismonti's been underrecorded, but his last four or five records for ECM (Infancia, Meeting Poing, Zig Zag, etc.) strike me as being more than a little eccentric, and not in a good direction. Whatever happened to the magical music found on Magico, Folk Songs, Sanfona, Danca Das Cabecas, Sol Do Meio Dia, and Duas Vozes? Well, it's back, and in spades on this remarkable disc.

One of the reasons I love this record so much is because almost half the songs ("Maracatu," "Em Familia," "Loro," and "Frevo") come from Sanfona, Gismonti's most accomplished recording, and one of the all-time greatest records in the history of jazz. They're given fresh readings here, and a couple of them approach or even surpass the originals ("Maracatu" and "Em Familia").

By the way, the sound on this disc is some of the purist I've ever heard of a live recording. Not to be missed.

If you are familiar with David Parsons you will find this to be a wonderful new experience.

Having developed quite a taste for meditation & yoga I find this album of David Parsons to be one of the most powerful forms of healing music there is. If you are willing to go within relax it will take on a journey you will most likely never forget, especially the title track. This cd is a must for anybody who is into sound and knows its true esoteric significance to healing .

david parsons is one of the few electronic musicians working today who can capture the true essence of the spirit on disc, dorje ling is a fine example. hearing parsons first on the musique mechanique comp, i fell in love with his vision of deep isolationist space. this disc captures parsons at his best. highly recommended!

Having developed quite a taste for meditation & yoga I find this album of David Parsons to be one of the most powerful forms of healing music there is. If you are willing to go within relax it will take on a journey you will most likely never forget, especially the title track. This cd is a must for anybody who is into sound and knows its true esoteric significance to healing .

The best meditation cd money can buy. Also indispensible mood music for writing, painting, blissing out, anything really except driving. My 11-year old son used to be disturbed by the quiet power of this music, now he loves reading to it. I often throw "Doje Ling" into the cd player when I've got a heavy day of deadlines before me. Works wonders. For those curious about meditation books, pick up, "Meditation Made Easy" by Lorin Roche. That and his and Camille Maurine's, "Meditation Secrets for Women" are the two absolute best books out there and complement "Dorje Ling" perfectly.

While "Rock was gettin stupid in the "80s" (O.K. there was some good stuff) Jazz on the other hand was flawlessly integrating the things that made the "80s" sound the way it did. Where "Rock" sounded goofey from that sound, Jazz musicians applied intelligence in its rendering. Passport was no exception and "Eartborn" is a very good, must have offering from this remarkable band.

After the near lemon of "Blue Tatoo" Passport leaped back
to life with a new album that thankfully ushered the return of
original drummer Curt Cress" who makes this the album that
"Blue Tatoo" should have been.The other reviews here note there is a heavy Tangarine Dream/Kraftwerk feel to some of the music
and that is quite correct for a good half of this album but there's more here then that.The tight and funky instrumental Ball And Jack",the magnifisantly laid back uptempo vocal number "New Moon" are two highlites,each featuring something very unique even for Passport.The spastic "Bassic" is a Bill Laswell/Material-like number which forces you to obey while the closing "Night Delighter" mingles both "Ball And Jack"'s funkiness and "New Moon"'s catchy vocal chops.A fine transitional
album,and aside from "Blue Tatoo"'s misstep the true missing link between "Oceanliner" and "Man In The Mirror".

It doesn't fail, Doldinger's work is again not a dissapointment. I hate lyrics in Jazz, but I have not complained about his lyrical songs. New Moon is no exception, I have found myself so drawn to this song that I can't listen to any others. I am not disappointed with this CD, and I recommend it to anyone considering buying it.

Spy Vs Spy, Bodybeat and other keep your tapping. Absolute rythm displays the genius of the artists. A sure shot collectable CD

I own several CD's from Special EFX. This may be the best one that I have heard. Seduction is my absolute favorite song from them. It received a good deal of airplay when this CD was new. Bodybeat is also a superb song. The rest of the CD is pretty good,but these two standout! Buy it and you won't be sorry!

If it is true that the measure of a man is who his friends are, then it should be true that the measure of a musician is who he plays with. That puts Merle at the top of the heap. This disc was recorded mainly in the early 90's with a whole new set of friends, but what a set of friends! His guests include: John Popper, Steve Kimock, Michael Warren, Murga Booker, Dr. John, Michael Hinton, Vince Littleton, Maria Muldaur, David Grisman, Trey Anastasio, and last but certainly not least Jerome Garcia. They do everything from Randy Newman, Willie Dixon, Garcia/Hunter, and Allen Toussaint to George Gershwin, and they do it all so well! I was a little skeptical myself. I loved Merle's 70's stuff with Garcia but was a little unsure what he would sound like over 20 years later with all new people. I wasn't disappointed and promise you won't be either. It's all here: blues, rock, funk, jazz, 'Nawlins creole, bluegrass, new age, and it's all done exactly like you would expect it to be. AWESOME AND FUNKY !!!!

Chieli continues to impress me with his unique style! I was not sure if I would like this album as well as his last (Got It Goin On) but his work seems to just keep getting better. A very nice blend of new Chieli with his original band Special EFX. I love every song! A must have for any smooth jazz lover.

Chieli Minucci is great as usual. He has a way with a guitar that is very satisfying to the mind. I try to get all his albums,especially the old Special EFX albums. those are unbelievably great

Pretty good CD. There is no doubt of Chieli's guitar mastery, but other than a couple of good hooks I'll most likely push this one to the back of the rack after a few more plays.

Led by Chieli Minucci and the late George Jinda, Special EFX became one of the seminal forces in the early days of Smooth Jazz,.
"Sweet Surrender" is now the fourth and latest project since Minucci resurrected the Special EFX banner a few years back. "Sweet Surrender" features Chieli Minucci alongside 'core' Special EFX band members saxophonist and flutist David Mann, drummer Lionel Cordew, vocalist and percussionist Philip Hamilton, pianist and keyboardist Jay Rowe and bassist Jerry Brooks, as well a few guest musicians.
The album showcases a fresh mix of irresistible grooves filled with funky memorable hooks, lyrical sweeping melodies, head-nodding polyrhythmic romps and dance inducing and body shaking rhythms. Highlights on the CD include "Mystical" the album's first single, sure to skyrocket to the top of the charts with its funky syncopated melody, surprising chord changes and infectious grooves and the tour-de-force "Au Naturale" which exposes Chieli's virtuoso guitar skills and keen compositional chops (Minucci wrote all the songs on the CD).
To sum it up: Minucci at his best and most creative since early Special EFX.
This well crafted album is an instant classic.

I have had the opportunity to listen to Sweet Surrender multiple times to let it "sink in". Chieli's latest musical masterpiece has it all! Contemporary Smooth Jazz, Traditional Jazz, Fusion Jazz, Soul Jazz, Theatrical Jazz, and more! The thing that blows my mind about this CD is the vast ground of musical composition this CD covers. What ultimately brings Sweet Surrender together is not just Chieli Minucci's talent, but the talent from all artists who contributed to Sweet Surrender: Jerry Brooks, Lionel Cordew, Jay Rowe, Philip Hamilton, David Mann, Will Brock, Dave Anderson, Wayne Batchelor, and others. I noticed a slight deviation of what in my mind I believe to be Chieli Minucci Music, this being a very positive deviation. Chieli has molded some new twists, sounds, and beats into this CD and has left a brand new impression on me. I believe Chieli has captured my Sweet Surrender with this release. Way to go Chieli & Special EFX!! Superb!

A friend sent this cd to me while serving in northern Iraq in 2006--it was the music to which I rested each night. God was there, and He was in the words and music of this cd bringing me to a quiet and safe place. I've worn the cd out--it's time to get a new one.

"Star of the Morning,Songs of the Eve, You light my spirit, and awaken my heart, as I welcome a new day with you..." The Songs Will Touch The Very Essence Of Your Soul. Simply Beautiful.

Excellent album--especially the two songs by Cathy Bolton. Anyone know how to find more about this beautiful voice?

The song REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE by Cathy Bolton is just beautiful I would like more of her music but am unable to find it.Can you help? Does she have her own album? The songs by Jim Brickman are very good as well as those by George Winston but many of the other artists I do not care for.

I was a tad bit disappointed in this disc, after hearing disc 1. If the premise was to correlate with the CWG books, I would expect very little vocal and more instrumental. I did not like the vocals on this disc and really felt that it detracted from the rest of the disc. I wanted to be relaxed, in a meditative state and the vocals seemed to distract from that ambiant mood. I felt that the vocal tracks really had nothing at all to do with the tone of the disc.

This is not a disc to relax to, but rather, to enjoy the wonderful music of the various artists of Windham Hill.

Since the CWG books stand alone, I would expect more of a meditative, contemplative disc, as one found with disc 1. The very few vocals on disc 1 were subtle and blended perfectly with the intrumental moods. But disc 2 is more distracting to me and I felt that the disc could do without the vocals or they could have been as subtle in the first disc.

I have had this album playing in my car constantly (along with Marc Antoine's latest), and it just keeps getting better each time I hear it. A great mix of ballads and uptempo, near-rockers. My favorite is 'Play, Don't Worry', heavy guitar with some nice chord changes behind the solos, and a great riff.

Ken Navarro has done it again. This Cd has the making of going " All The Way" to the top. I have been a Ken Navarro fan for several years and the first time I heard him I decided that I will purchase all of his Cd's. This is a must have cd if you are a smooth jazz lover.