Graceful & Perfect!
A.S.M. 75 | EDISON, NEW JERSEY | 01/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I can't say enough about the beauty & melodicism found on this remarkable album. The egos were left at the front door for this session and every musician complements one another. The brilliance lies in its intellectual songwriting and I mean, EACH member of this lineup intelligently wrote his/her part. The drummer has no problem sitting back and backing up the rest of the band with simple rhythmic cymbal strikes. Each track is a standout in this rare "awesome from beginning to end" masterpiece. Listen to the outstanding "Escondido" and I challenge you to keep yourself from wondering when this will be amongst the greatest jazz compositions. You'll ask yourself this often while listening to this elegant jem and I'm sure you'll keep going back to it for more very often.
Sit back, relax, & enjoy!
By the way... I'm a special ed high school Spanish & Music teacher; I've played this album for my students, and they've asked me to put it on during the Spanish classes. I've also noticed a heightened sense of focus from them when this great album is playing in the backround.
If I could give it 10 stars, I would!"
Like a fine wine...
John R. Grimshaw | 10/01/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Benny Maupin was there with Miles when Bitches Brew was born. His bass clarinet was the anchor that kept all that electricity hooked to the Earth. He was there when Herbie and the Headhunters blew our minds with Chameleon. He was there with Herbie's Mwandishi band when they showed us that you didn't have to be plugged in to be "electric".
Benny's been in so many places at so many times when great things happened, and that's not a coincidence. Benny's always been under-rated in my opinion.
This new album with a great young rhythm section showcases some great compositions by the master. And please note that the man has an incredible tone on all the instruments he plays. He's the master of the bass clarinet. He blows the Tenor like no one else. His Soprano sound is so fat and beautiful it makes you wonder if that is a Soprano he's playing, and his Flute sound is lovely.
This is not re-cycled Be-Bop. It's original music by a man who was always great and has aged like a fine wine.
Get it. You'll play it till you die."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1