Dig Jarrett? Check out Grant!
937909
Make that five really large stars, please...

I've been listening to Keith Jarrett & his group since the seventies.

This Darrell Grant CD will fit right up there on the same shelf where you have your Keith Jarrett CDs stacked all neatly side-by-side.

In fact, this CD BELONGS up there. IF you like KJ... you are going to enjoy the heck outta this Darrell Grant joint! { 'scuse me got carried away with my enthusiasm... heh }

This is a 2-disc set of 16 tracks. ALL solid material, no fluff. Real musicianship. No sleight-of-hand, no loops, no tricks. Flawless recording work too.

Money WELL spent!

I highly recommend getting it.
2887831
I think the gist of this one can pretty much be summed up with the line, " we've been scribbled in the margins of a story that is patently absurd" ( Lie Down Here & Be My Girl).

Cave & the Bad Seeds' 14th  pretty much picks up where Grinderman left off. But where that album's Garage/ Blues lampoon was more of a lark, the stakes have been raised on Dig.  Mad carny swirls of organ replace the tickling ivories of yore. Lashing Fenders duke it out with sleazy bass lines. There's even a lute (courtesy of the criminally gifted Warren Ellis). Throughout Cave holds court with self-mocking swagger. In short, this is a Bad Seeds record unlike anything that ever came before.

I will say that fans of Cave's Boatman's Call balladry are likely to be disappointed. The only things that would remotely qualify as ballads are hauntingly atmospheric numbers like "Hold Onto Yourself" & "Jesus Of The Moon. Lyrically, Cave empties out the asylum here. The songs are sprawling, surreal narratives that hark back to the Dylan Subterranean Homesick/ Desolation Row tradition. Some might say the man needs an editor, but they'd just be missing the point. In terms of the writing, he's hit on a perfect mix of the literary & the profane.

I've always maintained that fans & critics often take Cave far more seriously than he does. Never has this been more apparent than on Dig. This is a playful, groove laden & hilariously over the top record. Cave's sense of satire & contempt has never been so off the cuff.

The title cut is in the Lyre of Orpheus tradition, once more yanking the carpet out from under an established mythological figure. In this case, the victim is poor Lazarus, resurrected from the dead only to be so mortified, he yearns to dig himself back into the grave. His spade of choice---debauchery.  One listen & you'll be chanting, "Lazrus dig yourself" for days. Suffice it to say, Cave wields the double entendre like a switchblade.

"Today's Lesson" seems to be nothing more than, "congregating around the intersection of Janie's jeans". Guess it all could be summed up by the song's refrain, clearly echoing the Stooges classic "Real Cool Time". By far the eeriest track is "Night Of The Lotus Eaters" seconded by the ominous travelogue, "Albert Goes West". Classic Cave. Word play reaches a fore with "We Call Upon The Author" which manages to merge the meaningful with the absurd. For my money, "Midnight Man" is one more on the list of standouts.  The shamelessly catchy "More News From Nowhere" closes the door on a suitably warped note.

In this age of downloading I say this one makes a strong case for the validity of the album format. These guys are taking you on a journey here & dear reader---- its one hell of ride.
2545622
I have been a Bob Baldwin fan since his release "Reflections of Love." I borrowed this cd from someone and they'll be extremely fortunate if they actually get it back. I was intrigued that someone actually took a chance and did a remake of "Jamaica Funk", by and featuring, yes, Tom Browne.  It is definitely on point!  It also features one of my personal favorites, Gerald Albright, and Marion Meadows.  I am one who is usually of the opinion that people should leave well enough alone.  But not in this instance! His remakes of "Never Can Say Goodbye", "Back at One" and "I Wish" by Carl Thomas are equally as beautiful. The cd has a virtual who's who of today's best smooth jazz artists including the people mentioned above, Chuck Loeb and Dean James.  Armstead Christian a very talented vocalist in his own right does an extraordinary job on a piece titled, "Being With You."  I really hope people will get behind this project and support it.  It is an excellent cd and most definitely worth the extra effort that may be involved in trying to locate it.  Also recommended are the cd mentioned above and "Cool Breeze." This is an excellent addition to your smooth jazz collection.  Enjoy!
4886372
I spent a lot of time waiting to review this newest offering from the the David Crowder Band, because I wanted to make sure that I gave it enough time to let the hype die and the music set in.

For those who have been following Crowder's work like I have, I truly believe that you will be blown away by how much this band has truly grown. After listening to it all the way through for the first time I found myself wanting to go back and listen with the kind of intensity a student would read a great work.

The opening of the album starts with an almost "O Brother Where Art Thou" feel to it, until it immediately shifts into a clip of "the lark ascending" by Vaughn Williams. And it's from there that Crowder takes you through what is meant to be an entire thought process, instead of you're average skip to your favorite track CD.

This Album is the kind of total package that Pink Floyd's Dark side of the moon brings (one example that seems almost Floyd inspired would be the track "alarm" that intro's with a quiet alarm buzzer going off). Fine individually, but really meant to be enjoyed as a whole.

But please don't worry those of you who are fans of "Illuminate." Crowder and the boys don't drift too far with the excellent and bound for your church's praise team "Wholly Yours."
He also brings on a great collection of driving fun songs with tracks like "foreverandever Etc." and "Beautiful Collision."

Many years ago, when the band was still playing at DC/LA I emailed one the guitarists of the band and asked him what the purpose of being a Christian musician. He answered me within the day (a courtesy I'll not soon forget) with "My purpose is to aspire closer to my God and to develop the craft that He has given for His purposes."

This album is certainly a piece of brilliance and a great step for this group of artists who are in pursuit of the heart of their God.

May you think of our God and "wake up" as the band calls out and think only of our God's glory.

This is a must have.
2186730
Ouch! From start to finish, this is the funkiest escape since FUNKADELIC's "One Nation Under A Groove" album from the 70's. 7 selections maybe a bit too little for a regular priced CD (get it used if possible for cheaper) but musically you will NOT be discouraged, lyrically you might.

"One Nation Under A Groove" was a funkin' roll (nuttmeg) experience. TRULIO DISGRACIAS, headed by Fishbone's bassmaster NORWOOD FISHER, did here what DIRTY WALT (formerly of FISHBONE) did for his solo album. Funked out totally!!! But the T.D's also rock out hard (standing out on Dirty Walt, who is also credited as a member of T.D.). The 1st song "Hoo N' Tha F___ R U" is "Who Sez A Funk Band Can't Play Rock?)" of the 2000's for sho'. The cover of LED ZEPPELIN's "Whole Lotta Love" with a female singin' it is majorly different, but it works here. If any funk joint on here is to move you as a jump start, "Mo' 2 Glo'" or "Nuttin' Sells Like Sex" will do it. Headboppin' funk! You may not dig the lyrics because there are not much ideal-ism to go around in this multi-membered band. But the extended musicianship will fix that, no doubt.

The timing lengths of the songs won't make this an EP (average 7 minutes per selection). Not a masterpiece because of the shorten songwriting capabilities but it is funk rock/hip-hop party that technically don't stop. How true of TRULIO DISGRACIAS' album title, "Nuttin's Gonna Git'choo If U Don't Look Out", understand this title because it is SOOOOOOOOOO true! TRULIO DISGRACIAS needs to release a follow-up mad soon.
82304
Rumour has it that Dale may leave the music scene to focus on his family life. That would be a terrible shame....for us! This guy's one of the saviours of today's real country music. A throwback to the days of Merle, Johnny, & George, he's one of the few remaining true-blue nut-kickers in the business. This disc is fantastic, as are all his releases. It was released (under a different title "Heeah!!") last year overseas, and it took home "Best Country Album" honours in one poll of Americana/roots web-site reviews. Give me a call Dale, I'll do my best to talk you out of it!
1539841
Alright.  You're on the way to see this "Talk of the Town" Funk Band when you hear a tight little group playing a "P Funk" riff.  You stop for a listen and they follow up with a nice little foot tapper and as you start to move on--Wham!  Here comes this sly slick blues groove, something about "It Takes a Lot Whole of Money to Stay Broke"!  They've got your attention now for couple of more decent tunes and as you start to ease away, they crank up "Traveling Like a Gypsy" and you're sure Gary Clark Jr. is going to come running through the door to sit in on this one!  The vocalist is good enough to keep you interested for another few tunes but now you've been here longer than you expected, but wait!  The guitarist "Big D Perkins" starts laying down one of sweetest riffs you'll ever hear and when Donnie Sundal checks in with a soulful, barely contained vocal, you're left to wonder, why haven't I heard about this group?  Folks, this was a NICE pickup!
4486510
wow -- still reeling from the generous offering this gifted singer-songwrighter shared with us live tonight in Seattle (11/11/10).  I have listened to this CD and various remixes by Morgan Page (also one of my faves) for about a year.  He delivers everything in this package -- and if you get a hard copy of this CD, bonus for the liner notes, song lyrics, etc.  What Matt does, so wonderfully, is SLOW us down in a way that makes us focus on what's important.  Not to say his music is a downer, no; he favors experiences in lieu of immediacy.  And so romantic that it makes David Gray and kd lang almost wanting in that department.  Seriously, you may find you new best friend is someone who likes his music also!  Best (and first!) purchase on iTunes I did :)
3065605
The selections are great.  The musicianship is great.  And Ged's vocals -- never better! Buy it now, you won't regret it, and when you do buy it, play it loud!  You won't be disappointed!
I'm no 60's music aficionado, so I'm clueless as to all the negativity around the "Crossroads" cut.  All I know is, after listening to "Crossroads" by Rush, I was tempted to listen to their self-titled debut ("Rush").  You really can hear the early influences on that tune. Hey, I think I will listen to it, after four or more times listening to "Feedback."
Rush fans -- go get it if you haven't already!  Classic rock fans -- "Feedback" is a fresh take on some of your favorites! You'll love it!
805527
Loved Grant! Can't wait for this cliffhanger to continue! So many fears yet to overcome! Also good to catch up with the rest of the crew! More please!
4099863
hey ya'll!! go get Keith Anderson's new CD "C'mon!"
i've been waiting for it forever and it's totally worth the wait!! it's got a great mix of fun, energetic rock'n tunes along with some heartfelt, make you cry heartbreak songs... check out "Somebody Needs A Hug" and his current single, "I still miss you!"...

enjoy!
cheers
Lee Ann
2148301
Opinions - we've all got 'em. Some reviews blast the Doc just for singing! Others talk about unrecognizable Duke tunes or about the good Doc straying from his path.

Well, here's another opinion; take it or leave it.

Aside from a couple of less-famous tunes from Duke's songbook (done well nonetheless) and somewhat agreeing with the reviewer who wished for more of Ronnie Cuber's baritone sax, I'd say this one rocks & would get a thumbs-up from the Duke, an artist who always looked forward & lamented regurgitating carbon-copies of past glories.

Even though the Doc moved from New Orleans decades ago, he's still got the 'fonk' rhythms cooking, the sense of humor ("Don't Get Around Much Anymore"), the Big Easy piano style ("Flaming Sword"), the soft touch on ballads ("Solitude"), and the true blue feeling ("Mood Indigo") - plus much more to enjoy.

So please allow gifted artists to play whatever Muse inspires them, without chaining them to what they've done in the past, and buy this recording!
3428471
To be honest and up front, I'm not entirely familiar with the music of Grant Green nor am I familiar with his history as an artist. However, I must say that upon hearing his classic album "Green Street", I was highly impressed.

Recorded for Blue Note in 1961, "Green Street" finds Grant Green performing in a stripped down power trio setting. Because of the absence of other instruments such as piano or horns, this gives Green plenty of room to show off his relentless guitar chops. Most of the pieces are on the bluesy side such as the opening title track, "Grant's Dimensions" and the cover version of the standard "Alone Together". His version of Thelonious Monk's "Round About Midnight" shows off a tender yet still blues-oriented side of his playing while "Green With Envy" reminded me a bit of the instrumental/fusion side of the Allman Brothers Band (for some reason the Allman's "In memory of Elizabeth Reed" came to mind while listening to this track).

Rounding out the disc are two bonus alternate takes of "Alone Together" and "Green With Envy" which are a bit shorter than their master take counterparts.

As mentioned above, I'm not overall familiar with Grant Green's music but have found this release to be highly enjoyable. Grant was definitely a guitarist who was ahead of his game and his influence can be heard in guitarists that came to prominence after him in both Jazz and rock.

This is my first purchase of a Grant Green CD and I highly recommend this one to anyone looking for some great guitar Jazz. There's a lot of it here.

Definitely a classic!!!
1637854
What an eclectic choice of material!  In addition to the original material, these guys do rewrites of songs from Vineyard ("Holiness"), Delirious ("I Could Sing of Your Love  Forever"), and--of all people--Bill Gaither ("There's Something  About That Name"--and that with no less than an appearance from dc  Talk's Kevin Max on guest vocals.  Sonicflood also puts more bite into the  popular "Open the Eyes of my Heart" while actually giving a more  intimate reading of "The Heart of Worship" than has been heard  before.
However, if anybody wants to play "best cut on the  CD" here, my vote would be "My Refuge"-- a song which  absolutely begs for an unplugged version or--at the very least--a live  version again with guest vocal Kevin Max.  Or maybe BOTH. How about it,  guys?
Another thing is for sure about Sonicflood.  They are enlivening  America on tour with a certain flambouyant band from Australia these  days.
This is a wonderful CD.  I look forward to hearing more from  Sonicflood.  A lot more.  Thank you for taking praise and worship music to  a new level of creativity and art.
2854276
Mark Grant's latest project is "Sound Design Vol. 2" on Om Records (San Francisco). The CD was mixed and compiled by the House Music legend himself. I have had the privilege to get an advance copy of his CD and it's been the only disc in my CD player since the day I got it. As a matter of fact, I'm listening to it now while I write this. It's that good! The CD is packed with beautiful and soulful house that's has been hand picked by Mark Grant. It includes attractive vocals, both mesmerizing and flirtatious, and Latin rhythms, that will invite thoughts of a cool summer day. His musical selections, and his blends (on 3 turntables!), are what make this CD an essential piece to the collection of any House Music fan. "Sound Design Vol. 2" can be compared to Mark Grant's unique live sets. It will make your body and your soul be in motion without any alternative. His sentiments are conveyed on this mix and make for a funky, soulful, joyous, sexy and spiritual trip.  It positively gives you that feeling with the purpose of elevating you to that higher plateau. I recommend that you stretch before listening to this CD because it's going to wear you out. Chicago is very fortunate to be the founding city of House Music and is very fortunate to have Mark Grant as well. House Music is part of Chicago and musical history and Mr. Grant has made his mark.
1469075
Having been an enourmous fan of his work in 'Grant lee Buffalo', I was anxious to hear what he could come up with by himself.  After hearing 'Ladies Love Oracle', I was expecting something the same, but what I heard really delighted me.  I love Ladies Love Oracle and I love Mobilize.
Grant-Lee is simply one of THE GREAT singer-songwriters (of all time in my oppinion), and now he's taken the genre into cool new territories.  If you liked Grant Lee Buffalo, you won't have absolutely NO objections with this album,despite it being quite a bit more 'funky' (for want of a better work) with its electric drums etc...
Grant-Lee's strengths have always been his song writing ability and his voice and these things both come through strong with his 'new sound' (which is equally as appealing and beautiful as it is different to the 'Buffalo' sound).
I was fortuneate enough to hear him live (twice) in Brisbane (australia) in May '02 and it was trully amazing.  He is such a talented guy.
I'm hanging out for another solo effort, and until then, Mobilize will keep a huge smile on my face
3205312
With the exception of Daybreak in Dixie and Big Country I would not describe this CD as driving bluegrass.  I would describe it as tastefull and clean.  If you are looking for a hard driving type of CD this may not be the one for you.  If you are looking for an extremely professional project with clean picking and some very good mid-tempo tunes, this ones for you.  With many high quality pickers including Ron Stewart, Tim Stafford, Barry Bales, Marc Pruett and Randy Kohrs the chops are here.  But they are kept to something less than a frenzy.
If you are a fan of Adam Steffey you will enjoy this.  If your tastes lean towards the group Mountain Heart, which he is now in, or up-tempo songs, you may want to give this a second thought.
3 stars for a solid project.