Record Reviews
3 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | ROBBEN FORD & BILL EVANS ~ COMMON GROUND
MPS 4029759178842 (Barcode: 4029759178842) ~ USA ~ Smooth Jazz
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2022
This is the 2nd album by the duo of American Fusion musicians, guitarist Robben FordFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, recorded with bassist Darryl JonesFind albums by this artist and drummer Keith CarlockFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Max MutzkeFind albums by this artist appears on one track. The album presents nine tracks, five by Ford and four by Evans.
The music is a predictable mixture of Blues, Melodic Fusion and Smooth Jazz, which is very listenable and widely accessible, but lacks any particular artistic values, except of course the very high level of professional performance skills by all the participants. Ford is an exceptionally gifted Blues guitarist and Evans a great Jazz saxophonist, but they are here to enjoy themselves rather than play some serious music.
Overall, this is a highly entertaining album, smoothly performed by all participants, ideal for cocktail parties and long rides in a cabriolet. I confess that when I am particularly gloomy and tired, this kind of music is exactly what the doctor prescribed!
| | Updated: 23/07/2024Posted: 23/07/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ROBBEN FORD & BILL EVANS ~ THE SUN ROOM
EAR MUSIC 4029759140412 (Barcode: 4029759140412) ~ USA ~ Smooth Jazz
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019
This is the debut album by the duo of American Fusion musicians, guitarist Robben FordFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, recorded with bassist James GenusFind albums by this artist, drummer Keith CarlockFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Rob AiresFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Lurie WheelerFind albums by this artist appears on a couple of tracks. The album presents nine tracks, four by Ford and five by Evans.
The music is a predictable mixture of Blues, Melodic Fusion and Smooth Jazz, which is very listenable and widely accessible, but lacks any particular artistic values, except of course the very high level of professional performance skills by all the participants. Ford is an exceptionally gifted Blues guitarist and Evans a great Jazz saxophonist, but they are here to enjoy themselves rather than play some serious music.
Overall, this is a highly entertaining album, smoothly performed by all participants, ideal for cocktail parties and long rides in a cabriolet. I confess that when I am particularly gloomy and tired, this kind of music is exactly what the doctor prescribed!
| | Updated: 01/07/2024Posted: 01/07/2024 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOLSTEIN ~ SOLSTEIN
IS IT JAZZ? 256 (Barcode: 7073317000073) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023
This is the debut album by the Norwegian / American group SolsteinFind albums by this artist, which is co-led by Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Jacob Holm-LupoFind albums by this artist and American drummer Keith CarlockFind albums by this artist, with Norwegian guitarist Stian LarsenFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Brynjar DamboFind albums by this artist and American keyboardist Bill BresslerFind albums by this artist. A couple of additional players appear on selected tracks. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which were co-composed by the band members and one is a Wayne Shorter composition.
The music is a highly melodic amalgam of Fusion and Progressive Rock, combining extended improvisation and keyboards soaked, almost orchestral Prog sound, which works out rather well. All the musicians are obviously highly skilled and the melodies are well rounded and pleasant, which results in a very entertaining aural experience.
On the other hand, there is absolutely nothing here that every Fusion and Prog fan has not heard before repeatedly, so beyond appreciating the effort and enjoying the music there are no surprises.
Overall, this is a very slick, well played and composed collection of tunes, which every Fusion / Prog fan around the globe can enjoy, but I’d be surprised if anybody finds any innovation or unexpected excitement herein. Having said that, this is definitely a very well-produced album, which can be a lot of fun.
| | Updated: 13/08/2023Posted: 13/08/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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