One word describes the CD First Light from Freddie Hubbard… AWESOME!
It’s a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I’m more than happy to announce that’s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it’s own.
Jazz music fans will recognize some of the well known contributors on the project including George Marge and Romeo Pengue plus a few other notables as well.
Listen to First Light and I believe you’ll find there’s not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Freddie Hubbard is clearly in top form. So much so that if you’re even mildly into Jazz music you’ll enjoy this CD.
While this entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 3 – Moment To Moment, track 5 – Lonely Town, and track 6 – Fantasy In D.
My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – First Light. This is a great track!
First Light Release Notes:
Freddie Hubbard originally released First Light on October 25, 1990 on the CTI/CBS label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. First Light
2. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey
3. Moment To Moment
4. Yesterday’s Dreams
5. Lonely Town
6. Fantasy In D – (bonus track)
Personnel includes: Freddie Hubbard (trumpet, flugelhorn); Ray Alonge, James Buffington (French horn); Romeo Penque (flute, clarinet, oboe English horn); George Marge (flute, clarinet); Wally Kane (flute, bassoon); Hubert Laws (flute); Margaret Ross (harp); Phil Kraus (vibraphone); Richard Wyands (piano); George Benson (guitar); Ron Carter (bass); Jack DeJohnette (drums); Airto Moreira (percussion). Producer: Creed Taylor. Reissue producer: Didier C. Deutsch. Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey from September 14-16, 1971. Includes liner notes by Didier C. Deutsch.
By: Tom Milson
Former NBA All Star baller, Wayman Tisdale has done it again with this, his latest smooth jazz CD release Hang Time.
“It” being, he has turned out yet another funk drenched smooth jazz CD in this his fifth offering.
Showing once again that he is at the top of his game, and in top form. Thumping out smooth jazz tracks one right after the other.
While clearly blazing his own path as an outstanding bassist, the comparisons to the legendary bass guitar playing Stanley Clarke are inescapable. It’s easy to see that Clarke certainly had some measure of influence on Tisdale.
The self taught Tisdale has elevated himself to that level of artist whom I eagerly anticipate any new project from. Clearly growing with each release as a musician and getting better with each outing. Now establishing himself as one of the top bass guitar players in any music category.
If you’ve not yet been introduced to Wayman Tisdale, the musician, this would be a great CD for you to get acquainted with him through.
On Hang Time, as is the case with each of his previous releases, Tisdale has included an impressive interpretation of an old gospel tune Glory Glory. This is an indication of his musical roots which lie in gospel music.
His new tracks are impressive but the one that will get your full attention is an outstanding version of a top R & B tune from the 70’s, Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now.
From the opening track, Ready To Hang, right through the very last he brilliantly mixes his trademark funky grooves with just the right blend of mellow.
Featured on track 7, Better Days is smooth jazz legend and label Co-Owner Dave Koz. Also lending a hand on several tracks on the CD are smooth jazz notables Jeff Lorber playing keyboards, and James Lloyd from the group Pieces of a Dream.
Overall I’d say Wayman Tisdale scores big with Hang Time. Continuing his rise as a top bass guitarist. This is probably his best effort so far and is most definitely a worthy addition to any smooth jazz collection.
The standout tunes are Ready To Hang [track 1], Creative Juices [track 2], and Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now [track 4]. My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 7, Better Days. Very nice!
Release Notes:
This CD was originally released July 13, 2004 on the Rendezvous Entertainment label.
CD track list follows:
1. Ready To Hang
2. Creative Juices
3. Cruisin’
4. Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now
5. My World
6. Hang Time
7. Better Days
8. Everything In You
9. Even When
10. The Time Is Here
11. Off Into It
12. Glory Glory
By: Tom Milson
Not sure what’s happening with me on this one, but it seems like the more I listen to it, the better Ricochet gets. Ricochet put simply is one of Richard Elliot’s best CDs to date.
Unfortunately, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Ricochet. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
Ricochet is a pleasantly varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly outstanding artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are his own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here.
The nice thing about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Smooth Jazz isn’t your favorite style you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.
Overall Ricochet is a solid release. Quite possibly Richard Elliot’s best to date. Really spectacular from beginning to end. If you’re even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you’ll enjoy this album.
Ricochet Release Notes:
Richard Elliot originally released Ricochet on Apr 29, 2003 on the GRP record label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Corner Pocket
2. Ricochet
3. Rendezvous
4. Sweet Memories
5. So Good
6. Seven Sacred Pools
7. Slam
8. You Make Me Feel Brand New
9. Sake For Two 10. Sly
Personnel: Richard Elliot (tenor saxophone); Phillip Jackson (vocals); Brandon Fields (saxophone); Lee Thornburg (trumpet); Nick Lane (trombone); Jeff Lorber, Nelson Jackson, Rex Rideout, Ron Reinhardt (keyboards); Robbie Nevil, Tony Maiden, Dwighht Sills (guitar); Ronnie Garrett (bass); Michael White, Lil’ John Roberts, Dave Reinhardt (drums); Luis Conte, Lenny Castro (percussion). Producers include: Steven Dubin, Richard Elliot, Jeff Lorber, Rex Rideout, Ronnie Garrett.
By: Tom Milson