Jazz Fusion Music

I'm a hardcore JM fan. I recommend listening to this CD AFTER watching the "making of" DVD "Meeting of the Minds". In this context, it will change your perspective of this project whether you're a fan or not. It's truly amazing, like seeing him live.

I would recommend this CD very highly and it is nominated for a Grammy. I am a professional saxophonist and jazz instructor and own and have studied hundreds of recordings. This is a gem among my almost 1,000 CD's in my collection. You will appreciate the different sounds you hear on this CD much more (I certainly did) if you buy watch the available DVD on the making of Floating Point. The DVD is incredible and you get to see the Indian instruments and incredible musicians who were selected by John McLaughlin. This CD and DVD has affected my direction in music. Bravo to Mr. McLaughlin--he creates and improvises effortlessly and is truly a Master of Masters in music. Good luck with the Grammy nomination--I can't see how it could not win.

I suppose it's unfair to constantly expect John McLaughlin to reprise the fire of his first Mahavishnu album, but I do, and he constantly lets me down. I bought this CD because I hoped that the Indian musicians involved would spur him to some of his old youthful passion. Well, the Indian musicians certainly play with verve here, but McLaughlin mostly phones his performance in. His playing feels like he's reading it off a chart--while he's reading the newspaper. And the guitar synthesizer only makes this effect more pronounced. McLaughlin chooses sounds from the synthesizer that are flutelike, but without even the attack of a real flute. Every edge, every trace of timbre is removed, which also removes any edge or rhythmic propulsion from the playing. A guitar is played with steel strings and a plectrum for a reason--its percussiveness gives the music a jump factor--and an electric guitar should sound electric, with the meat and rich timbre of an overdriven speaker. McLaughlin's technique has always been exceptional, but he used to use it to reach as high as he could, pushing the envelope of what was possible. Now, unfortunately, he has perfected his technique, and he uses to pursue perfection. He almost never gives the sense of reaching, or taking chances, or of just getting carried away by the feeling. There are places on this CD where things do heat up, and the band throughout plays with real energy, particularly the drummers. If only McLaughlin played with the fire of his sidemen, we'd have a recording worth reckoning with.

This album is even better than the previous "Industrial Zen" .... quite some fantasy and listenability is improved .... nomore intellectual thoughts.
Go on Johnny !

One of the things i'll never understand is how John got so far away from the path he himself created to follow this 'empty' one. This continues his trend of hollow passionless works of late. Nothing to do with 'Extrapolation', Mahavishnu, Old Shakti or even some of his more jazz oriented work of the 80s and 90s. Hated the plastic sound of this production. Buy at your own risk.

Smooth and easy listeneing. Great music in the car to keep you calm yet alert. I love it!

The had many song that are classic I never get tried of hearing them.

This complilation of music with the various artists on this one CD is great. The choices of the songs in this order seems to flow very smoothly. I recommend the other volumes 1,3 and 4 to complete the set. I have been searching for more in this style but no other can match this Smooth Jazz set. This is a wise investment.

This is typical of the majority of the stuff you find on "Smooth Jazz" radio stations.

The problem I have with this is that most of what's played is *not* original material.

Despite the fact that the artists on this CD produce a *lot* of original material, it's not the stuff that gets played much.

The radio stations go with the "safe" stuff.

It's really too bad, because many of the top artists in this format have great orignal material.

Oh and another thing...

Artists like Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye and Michael McDonald are *not* smooth jazz.

Adult Contemporary, Light Rock and R&B are NOT "smooth jazz".

Well, I suppose they are as far as radio is concerned, but they really don't belong in this category or on smooth jazz radio.

Smooth Jazz gets a bad rap as it is, and crap like this doesn't help any.

*Real* smooth jazz can only be found on smooth jaza stations (Luther, Marvin and Michael can be heard on plenty of other stations with different formats).

Artist such as David Sanborn, Bob James, Fourplay & Earl Klugh (just to name a very few exmples) have TONS of original material.

And that material my friends, is REAL Smooth Jazz!

So then, why bother with this CD? Just tune in to your local smooth jazz station and get all this dullness for free.

I have the entire Best Of Smooth Jazz Collection. The entire set is great, all you need is some chilled wine!

Yes, the recording level on this is way too low. Normally, I have my volume on like 16-20. You have to turn this up to 30, the lowest level of recording volume I have ever encountered. Remastered from the orignal tapes...hummm... You might want to re-record it on to tape or CD using an equalizer. It gets better that way. Also, ALL YOU OUT THERE-if you like this you have to check out BOSCOE. Hey anyone, is Pieces of a Man any better???? Doesn't sound so sampled here...This stuff deserves better...

Not many jazz musicians combined politics and jazz well (exceptions are few like Max Roach "We Insist Freedom Now" or Charlie Haden's "Liberation Orchestra") but Gil Scott Heron was able to fuse a social sense,poetry,and singing as well as with his musical cohort Brian Jackson some timeless music with a strong conscience.Heron some good and some great LP's.But this greatest hits is a gem and had to have it on my list.Some songs are dated yet charming agit prop like "No Knock" cred against Nixon) or "Whitey On The Moon".The style on many tunes has a Lost Poets pre-rap feel.But also contained are cheerful,positive spiritual jazz like "Lady Day and John Coltrane" or "I think I'll Call It Morning".But also some of the deepest,most painful,pathos songs you've ever heard (or at least I have ever heard) like "Pieces Of A Man" about a son watching his father flip out and get taken away by police after he loses his job or "Did You Here What They Said" as song as powerfully anti-Vietnam war as Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" called "Did You Here What They Said" about a young man cut down in the war.Heart breaking.Great musicianship and incredible songwriting it's both a snap shot of history yet some are timeless songs.A must get.Check out Jazz Foundation Of America online and do what you can.
Cheers
Chazz

This poet's rendition of the title track is the real inspiration for Fox's Futurama title song.

the sound on this CD is terrible. I keep adjusting the bass & treble to try to get it to sound better. not working...

This is not a review of Mr. Gil Scott-Heron's work or legacy. I am a believer and own many of his albums on either vinyl or (yes I'm serious) 8 Track. I specifically bought this compilation on CD to finally have a clean sounding, easy-to-play format.

The problem with this CD is that the audio is transferred to the CD at a very, very low volume. Much lower than any of my LPs or carts. At first I thought I received a bad CD and promptly exchanged it. The second one was as bad as the first.

For perspective, an average CD, LP or even 8 Track on my system is decently loud at -27 dB to -19 dB. Rarely do I turn my system up past -15 dB - and I like my music LOUD. This recording has to be turned up to -6 dB before it sounds reasonably listenable. To put it another way, should I take this one out and put in another CD without adjusting the volume, it would be so loud I would possibly ruin my speakers, my eardrums, set off nearby car alarms and drive the neighbors to call the cops.

And believe me, I promptly took the CD out, adjusted my tuner to - 26 dB, popped in the new Gnarls Barkley which sounded just fine.

It's too bad. Great music. Highly gifted artist. Could it be a bad batch? Two in a row? Anyone else experience this?

This is one of those truly special albums that you will revisit often over the years. It has aged extremely well. There's not a weak moment on the album but the classic title track and "Iniquity Road" are especially outstanding. Jazz fans and lovers of guitar music should check this out if they have no already.

4 1/2

It was apparent right from the start of this glorious '75 debut that a new paradigm of technically emotional, jazz-guitar trio work had been breached. It may taper out in spots, but ultimately this a fascinating release anyway you slice it.

This is hands down Metheny's best (and most edgy) album. I would even rank in the top 5 albums I have ever heard. I have listened to the album at least 1000 times and it does not get old. Jaco's bass playing is also among his finest, especially the solo on the track "Bright Size Life." I would especially recommend this album to people who like rock or alternative music and want to get onto jazz.

I agree with all of the positive reviews for this music. As a drummer I am fascinated by the playing of Bob Moses. Bright Size Life was one of my first exposures to jazz music. It's 10 years later, all of the jazz genres have been taken into account, and this drumming still represents a peak of beauty to me. Missouri uncompromised and the concluding drum solo on the Ornette tune take the cake. Bob Moses!!!

I'm not a big Pat Metheny fan. It's not that I don't appreciate his genius; I just never got around to listening to him very much (much to my dismay). In truth, I got this album because of Jaco. At first, I thought the whole work was a little too low-key and esoteric, but as I kept listening, I began thinking that this may be Jaco's finest. His fretless sound is indeed at its best, whether he's playing a slower melody line as in "Sirabhorn," or a funkier riff as on my favorite cut of the whole album, "Omaha Celebration." I think what surprises me most is how laid back Jaco is, and how much I like that he is laid back. Don't get me wrong -- I love the "in your face" Jaco. It's just that when it comes to all-around musicianship, this work is just so much more meaningful and moving than his self-titled solo album (which is perhaps one of the most important jazz albums ever made)or "Heavy Weather." Of course, this is all subjective. The only thing I can say for sure is that "Bright Size Life" is one more piece of evidence proving that 1976 was Jaco's finest year. MBK

George Duke, enough said, the man needs to be dupilcated, we can not loose this sound. This was a good order, I had no problem with the buyer, very happy with the order.

Somewhat disappointed. You also could've selected a better title. However, I believe you will do better next time. Hey George, how about getting Rachelle to do another duet with Will Downing, either "Ain't Understanding Mellow" or "Reunited" or write something for them?

I have followed Dukeys music for over 20 years and own many of his CDs but with this disc and others it seems that his sound never changes they basically all sound the same. Just because a song is funky doesn't mean thats it's good, smooth jazz is a becoming a repeated art form.

.. with a solid album packed with jazzy funk in the style of the great master's of the 70s.

This is one of his finest. It's up to date yet you get those retro vibes from the 70's. Great music.

It is extremelly hard to say something bad about these great musicians and in particular about JLP. Excellent concert, what a great precision and synchronization by every single one of them.

this jlp dvd was filmed in 1999...the best part is JLP's extremely competant backup band...i havent heard bass talent like this since jaco..no kidding..his name is guy akwa and he makes you smile with his amazing licks...this alone is enough to get the "lowered price" version of this dvd..enjoy!!

Bela Fleck isn't really pigioned holed into one particular catagory. Kind of a Blue Grass/Country Rock band. Fine musicians and good arrangements. A great change of pace.

One of the myriad of fine material record by the group, this CD saw the last time Howard Levy recorded as a member of the band, marking an the close of the first era of the Flecktones' history. Its material is stylistically very similar to Hippo and the album's sound can be treated more as a continuation of that artistic endeavor instead of a fresher musical approach. This would be a bad thing if the work on hippo wasn't so wonderful. The title track, UFO TOFU, is a brilliant composition which uses motiffs build on palindromes to create cycles of notes that seemingly spiral through each of the phrases. The album as a whole geniusly applies a plethora of well-advanced theoretical ideas to each song. For Fleck fans, theory afficionados, and the general music appreciating consumer.

I don't need to say much more than this.... I have thousands of albums in my library (including rock, jazz and classical), and this would have to be a candidate for my favorite album of all time. The song-writing is beautiful and the instrumentation is mind-boggling. Just wonderful music....

This album displays an unclassifiable, amazing, virtuosic band playing at their best(Well, maybe not, they're better live)! Bela Fleck takes the banjo to places it has never been before. He moves the instrument beyond bluegrass into such realms as jazz, rock, and funk. He is brilliant and innovative in all these styles and more. In addition, he is a skilled composer, in which he once again spans every style imaginable.

Victor Wooten, the bassist, is by far the best in the world. If you are impressed by Les Claypool, listen to Victor. Claypool is doubtless great, but he cannot come close to the virtuosity displayed by Victor Wooten. He utilizes revolutionary playing techniques to play unbelievable solos, as well as making it sound like multiple bassists are playing.

Howard Levy plays harmonica, piano, whistle, and synthesizer. He frequently plays more than one at a time, and while he is proficient on all of these instruments, he is most impressive on the harmonica. Every time this guy plays harmonica, he wows me. He coaxes sounds from the instrument that it was never designed to play, while making it sound smooth and beautiful.

The groove is anchored by Roy "Futureman" Wooten, who plays both a traditional drum set and his own invention, the Synth Axe Drumitar. The Synth Axe Drumitar is a guitar like instrument that Futureman can use to play virtually any percussive sound. He frequently plays both the Drumitar and a traditional drum kit at the same time.

From the funky bass line of "Sex in a Pan" to the high octane bluegrass of "The Yee Haw Factor" the Flecktones prove that they are an unstoppable band.

There are songs and then there are experiences. When this album came out I was fronting a punk band and booking local acts in my college town. One local act always blew me away, Disco Biscuit. Anyway, my girlfriend was in band with the bass player of this group and I asked to be introduced. Incidentally, we got to talking. He said he liked what I was doing and and I told him that he was the best bass player I had ever met. He stopped me right there and said, "I suck." That was it. I was perplexed. Then he said, "Let me sum it up for you. Listen to this album." And he pulled out UFO Tofu. I listened to it and everything changed. This album takes you to a spiritual space that is unfathomable. This album is like nothing else. After listening to this album, I went from writing songs to sculpting realities. It changed my music, my poetry, my philosphical perspective. What else can I say.

This compilation of songs by Paul Hardcastle are pretty much standard smooth jazz. All his Jazzmasters CD and Hardcastle I-V are top of the line mellow tunes.

This is Hardcastle at his best. I'm tellin' ya, this guy is a musical genius (in his own right).

The four CD before this are very good. I have them this is two steps down. Not very good.

Jazzmaster's V is simply a perfect CD that one will play over and over again. I particularly like "Children of the Ghetto". Buy it if you like Paul Hardcastle, or never even heard of his magic. There are no regrets with this CD.

Always liked Paul Hard Castle, I really enjoy his music and have for many Years. Have just about all of his albums. Thanks, it is one of his best. Mark

I've been listening to Jesse Cook from day one and now have every album Including his excellent DVD Live One Night at The Metropolis and Gravity is just another classic .

The only recommendation I have for new buyers is to get 2 CD right away. You will burn the first one by constantly playing it, so save yourself a waiting time and some shipping costs! This goes for any Cook's CD! This is kind of a product that you can just give it a five stars...no other comments are needed. Those "reviewers" giving less then 5 stars....just pure jealousy.

This is seriously some of the BEST music I have ever heard! Extremely well done, lively, and just plain delicious!

"Gravity," is the first of Jessie Cook's (five, excluding the compilations?) albums, and it continues to hold up as my favorite. I can recommend all five as worthy. I love the energy and creativity, and the way it makes me feel. His blend is less percussive, and more melodic. The music conveys a powerful, uplifting spirit that is both exciting and sensual.

I saw Jesse Cook perform in Annapolis, Maryland, several years ago with the very talented Bill Katsioutas, along with a percussionist. It was a great show, and absolutely confirmed Cook's athleticism with the guitar. I was disappointed these two didn't continue working together on future albums.

An interesting thing about Cook's music is that it's great for almost any situation - driving, writing, working out, or an evening with your lover (can I recommend Luna Llena for getting in the mood...)!

This was a replacement for my daughter after her home burnt to the ground and as she remembers some of her favorite stuff I try and get it for her.

I live in San Diego, Ca., USA. I was walking down the Boardwalk, down in Ocean Beach, toward Sunset Cliffs and I heard some of the Most Awesome Mellow Jazz coming out of this Boom Box. I walked up to it's owner and asked what he was Playing and he replied "HIROSHIMA : EAST". So, again I went to "GOOGLE" and typed in the Groups name and again it only came up with 1 Site, "AMAZON.COM". So, now, I've made Amazon.com, my first New CD Site to look for Music CD's.

The process of ordering and receiving the Hiroshima cd was a great experience and I really enjoy the music. Thank you!

fine musicianship on this DVD but I miss more authentically Japanese content, this is too pop mainstream for my taste

This cd is definitely the best fo, although Odori is by far the best cd of Hiroshima. Most are hits from primarily three of their lps/cds. That takes nothing away from the great music they have produced over the years. If you've not ever heard of Hiroshima, this is a great introduction and maybe you'll fill your collection with their great music.

As a fan of smooth jazz, I found this CD to be one that is a must for my jazz collection. I will not give any technical comments, I will simply say that this is an incredibly beautiful sound. Its Far Eastern quality easily transports one to a hauntingly wonderful place; extremely relaxing! This is my first purchase by this group, hence a greatest hits CD, however it will not be my last. Although all of the cuts are A+ "One Wish" is awesome!!!