Play It Again, Sam !
author: Marty Nickison
Let's be frank: there are two distinct schools of thought in today's jazz: the classic and the forthcoming. More today than ever before; the artisians and thier canvasses in each school avoid each other.
How evervescent it is to find a collaboration that celebrates the power of the root and the pazazz of the present!
With the album, Paul Samuels has accomplished a tricky and topologically tough terrain: he has both old and new. Futhermore, Paul's new material fits well with his vision on the old standards. I love good music that fits both schools--easily recommendable to all jazz lovers. Futhermore, with the traditional 'acoustic' edge here: it exists in a seperate vacumm space than Sanborn or such.
For the music, I'll be simple: remarkable! Let's face one more reality--Greg Osby is not an easy horn to support! Greg is nasty, angular, abstract, unconventional, and unrestrained---the hardcore of the heart in the hip-jazz base. Paul, James, and Dan all support Greg nicely for a very enjoyable piece.
In short, I love this album! I'm going to the release party in Cleveland, Ohio this Thursday and cannot wait to sit in the company of so many 'classic-youngheads'. At the end of the set, it won't be hard to find me; ....just listen....
PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM!!
--Marty A. Nickison II
author: Beyond the Books
publisher: www.lulu.com
Read more...
I think i have listened to this c d every day
author: zoot
Man, I think i have listened to this c d every day since i got it a couple of weeks ago. Not something I have tended to do for a long time. I am familiar with all the musicians on this and really like them. What a brilliant idea to put them all together. Some of the chopsyst players i can think of and all have never failed to surprise me with quirky imaginations while having a complete knowledge of the tradition. Absolutely wonderful. Just the fact that it starts with Trinkle Tinkle speaks volumes and I have no doubt that monk would learn something. Not enough stars in the sky for this one.
Read more...
This CD gives the listener something to think about.
author: Lil' Bit
A CD with good feel, that is inspiring, and gives me, the listener something to think about. Now that's the kinda music I like! SPEAK, by Paul Samuels is a thrilling ride that I like to take over and over again!
Read more...
Excellent interactive adventurous soulful music from stellar players.
author: BigTone
The first thing that struck me about this recording was the respect all the players demonstrate for the jazz language and tradition while being brave enough to explore ideas and allow the group dynamic to guide the music. In addition to the collective success of this music, the individual players all shine, yet without losing sight of playing as a unit. Listeners will find this music challenging without being inaccessible, excellent for fans of Greg Osby, and for those unfamiliar with Paul Samuels, a nice introduction to a musician and drummer of note.
Read more...