It has been some time since I've listened an Excellent Jazz recording; or to be more especific: A Jazz work made with Elegance and taste in an impressive way. The reasons behind this point are some, but to be clearer I have to say that this recording really epitomize some of the past and present great moments of the contemporary and traditional Jazz. In his own focused vision Steve Hunt has created a perfect blend (and in his own style) between some of the jazz elements of the old John Coltrain "Impressions"; passing through the Pat Metheny's "Still Life" (with all his Brazilian flavor); the Chick Corea's "Elektric Band"; or the Allan Holdsworth's "Secrets", just to name a few in the Jazz fusionists category. Steve Hunt really achieved to make anybody a captive listener, because his music holds alive the listeners interest note by note, song by song with an emotional intensity very hard to find these days... And the fantastic colaborative artists rooster, that made all this posible in this musical project are some of the relative best "unknown" players, like:
* Allan Holdsworth-guitar, Greg Bendian-Drums, Skuli Sverrisson-Bass, John Lockwood-ac. Bass, Chad Wackerman-Drums, Ole Mathisen-Soprano Sax, George Garzone-Tenor Sax, Nando Lauria- Vocals, Bruce Bartlett-guitar, Steve Michaud-Drums, and Mark Lucas-Ad.guitar.
* And the magic tracks for this album: 1.One thing after another, 2.Point The Light, 3.Wake up, 4.Coming Home, 5.From Your Heart And Soul (remembering Jimmy), 6.Triad, 7.Belle Faccia (Piano Instrumental), 8.Wring It Out, and 9.Funnels (Piano instrumental).
Allan Holdsworth colaborated in the song "Wring It Down", and Steve Hunt played an acoustic piano version of the song "Funnels", a Holdsworth's composition from the ATAVACHRON (1986) album, as a tribute to this extraordinary guitarist of all times... by the other side, Steve Hunt describes this recording as a dedication to a friend from the old school days, Jimmy Hurse, whose learnings of musical experimentation and freedom helped him to progress as musician. And there's one thing that deserves closer atention: the old and clear resonant Steinway acoustic piano that sounds in the songs. Its sound is incredible!...
Finally, I think that the CD cover design (a Steve Hunt's idea) has a kind of "dark" icons to see something diferent into it; or maybe it has not all the visual hooks that we were used to watch with Storm Thorgerson of the British graphic art group Hipnosis, in the music market; but please don't hesitate in listening to this. If you enyoy listening albums like Dave Brubeck's "Time Out", John Coltrain's "A love Supreme", Miles Davis' "Kind Of Blue" or Allan Holdsworth's "Metal Fatigue" (Sorry for the comparisons, but I really need to stablish a point here!) This recording really make my day I hope make yours too; I think this CD is a must for the real Jazz lovers (and it really worths the purchase!). So Good Listening, Good Luck!...
By Jesmorh on January 4, 2010 |
