Record Reviews

MANU KATCHÉ ~ THIRD ROUND ECM 2156 (Barcode: 602527321318) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 This is the third album for ECMFind albums on this label by French (born in Ivory Coast) drummer / composer Manu KatchéFind albums by this artist, recorded with a quartet, which features saxophonist Tore BrunborgFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jason RebelloFind albums by this artist and bassist Pino PalladinoFind albums by this artist and two additional musicians participating on selected tracks: guitarist Jacob YoungFind albums by this artist and female vocalist / trumpeter Kami LyleFind albums by this artist. The album comprises of eleven original compositions, all by Katché, one of which also includes lyrics, written by Lyle. It is pretty obvious from the very first instant of this album that it presents a new concept, different from the two preceding albums, being completely "song" / melody oriented and only marginally Jazzy per se. The eleven tracks are all quite short (around four minutes in duration), very melodic and with limited space for improvisation. I´d speculate that this is probably the most "easy listening" album ever recorded for ECM. But apart from the fact that this is not a Jazz album, all the other aspects of this recording are all positive: the melodies are excellent, the execution perfect and completely professional, as is the usual ECM sound quality. Therefore this album simply should not be judged by the "usual" standards of hard core Jazz and with a little open-mindedness this is a very enjoyable piece of music, which delivers exactly what it aims to do: musical joy and fun!

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STING ~ SACRED LOVE A&M 602498605356 (Barcode: 602498605356) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 This is the 7th studio album by British vocalist / bassist / songwriter StingFind albums by this artist, recorded with a large group of musicians, including drummers Manu KatcheFind albums by this artist and Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist, pianist Jason RebelloFind albums by this artist and numerous others. The album presents ten songs, all originals by Sting. This European edition includes two bonus tracks, one of them a live recording. The music continues Sting’s lyrical, somewhat Jazz oriented stylistics, which characterized his early albums, but the Pop / American influence begins to appear vividly, especially in the production aspects. Therefore, this album serves as a transition period between his early Jazz-Pop Fusion period and his later Pop oriented period. With all the criticism one might have as far as his “sellout” tactics and less ambitious musical attitude, Sting is still a superb songwriter, with a distinct personal signature, which he is still able to preserve on this album. He is still writing beautiful, irresistible tunes, which are a great fun to listen to. Overall, in retrospect this is Sting stepping into the 21st Century, carrying over his wonderful sense of melody and skillful songwriting, but starting to flirt with simplistic Pop sound effects and modern production methods, which eventually will bring about his musical demise. I can still listen to this album and enjoy it.

Updated: 21/05/2026Posted: 21/05/2026

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