Search - Arturo Sandoval :: Live at the Blue Note (W/Dvd)

Fun

Benjamin T. Dunville | South Bend, IN | 11/06/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I saw Arturo Sandoval in concert a few years ago. Those looking for a textbook album with lots of his trumpet playing are not going to be happy. Those people should look for a differnt album. However, those with an open mind and a penchant for live Sandoval concerts should apply here - as they know, Sandoval is not a trumpet player but rather a showman, moving from instrument to instrument and dominating just as he dominates the trumpet. Although the song selection is not his best, and as is typical of live concerts, the sound quality is nothing to write home about, that's not what live concerts are bought for -they are purchased for the excitement between performer and audience, and the way each feeds off the other's energy. In that case this album is on par with Rolling Stones "Flash Point", Miles and Quincy "Live at Montreaux", and Benny Goodman "Live at Carnegie Hall" (1978 version)."

It's hard not to like Arturo

bluebear | Madison, TN | 04/29/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm one of those guys who has chosen to be "willfully ignorant" on some things in an attempt to keep them "fun," at least to a certain degree - Jazz is one of those. So my review is not coming from a serous Arturo fan, but someone that simply wants to enjoy some music, or a show, or whatever.



I had no expectations at all when I popped the DVD into the player. As the program began I first noticed that the stage was pretty small, and that the camera position made the club look small as well. But this setup accomplishes something special; it brings us to the performance instead of bringing the performance to our living rooms (I wanted to leave the living room anyway J.And I may have actually sat in that very camera position from time to time in clubs.



I don't know how this performance rates to Arturo's other live performances, but I am a bigger fan after watching it, and have enjoyed my other Arturo CD's more as well.



I liked the performance; I had no idea how gifted Arturo actually is until watching this. One of the things I appreciate most about Arturo is his sensitivity to his audience; he keeps it moving, changes the pace, shares the spotlight, and keeps it fresh. He serves his audience as opposed to performers who expect the audience worship them.













"

Missing the Point

Lee Andre | 08/06/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A couple people have said how they don't like that Arturo doesn't play trumpet as much as you would think. While this is true, this is what you see when you see Arturo live. He is incredibly versatile, world class in both piano and trumpet. On "Blues for Diz, he has an extended scatting solo, which, again, is not him playing. But, like I said, this is what you will see when taking in a live performance from him.



In short, what you are seeing here is versatility- Arturo solos on trumpet, piano, vocals, and percussion. How many other musicians will do that? If you're looking for an album that showcases the full package of what Arturo can do, this is for you. If, however, you are looking to drool over his trumpet play- and only his trumpet playing- try "Hot House" or "Los Elefantes," if you can find it. This is a very solid live disc, and while the dvd could have been shot better, it is a welcome addition to the cd."