Search - Brian Simpson :: Above the Clouds (Dig)

Elegant and accomplished.

jazz4thenight | Florida | 08/28/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Brian Simpson's latest, "Above the Clouds", focuses on compelling acoustic piano melodies and spirited funk grooves, with guest appearances by some of today's most acclaimed musicians :Alex Al (Bass), Michael Brecker (Tenor Sax), Brian Bromberg (Acoustic Bass), Lenny Castro (Percussion, Conga), George Duke (Vibraphone, Mini Moog), Ray Fuller (Guitar), Dave Koz (Sax-Alto), Chuck Loeb (Guitar), Wayman Tisdale (Bass), Darren Rahn (Flute) and Kirk Whalum (Sax).

This album, his third, features a combination of funk, smooth grooves and beautiful, warm melodies.

Here Simpson displays several vital leadership skills: his choice of bandmates is unerring, his set-list an attractive mix of great originals which brings welcome textural variety, and his solo playing and virtuosity are unfussy but just unusual enough to intrigue and hold the attention.

The musicianship and production are very solid.

He's a superb pianist, in accompanying roles ( for years he has been playing as keyboardist and musical director for superstar saxophonist Dave Koz ) and in his soloing capacity, and on his latest outing he is focused once again on excellent acoustic melodies, bright jazz improvisations and spirited funk grooves.

"Above the Clouds" is elegant and accomplished rather than cutting-edge or innovatory, but, again typically of Brian Simpson, it is clearly the album he dearly wanted to make instead of a producer's or a label's idea of same.

The title track is energetic, playful and maybe the most sophisticated chord structured composition, and is the best example of what could be described as "contemporary" in jazz.

Other highlights are the vibrant jam "From the Hip"-- which features guitarist Chuck Loeb -- on which producer Darren Rahn joins with his trumpeter/flugelhornist brother Jason Rahn to create the fiery horn section, the cool "Juicy", and the lyrical piano solo "Memories of You".

The closing track "That's Right" brings us a memorable contribution from the late great sax master Michael Brecker.

Overall, the album is an elegant, varied journey with a fresh, unaffected touch.

Enjoy!

Pilgrimage

At the Movies"

High Flying

buzzdavis | APO, AE United States | 10/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Climb aboard this groove. Brian Simpson grows from strength to strength with each release. Since there are so few reviews on this one, at the moment, I'm thinking many people don't know what's up. We'll I'll tell you. Let me say straight out that this is hot. Lots of highlights here, but it could be argued that the entire CD is a highlight. The atypical radio friendly sound of What Cha Gonna Do gets this party started. A solid jam session going on. Brian and the gang step it up a notch, beat wise, when Kirk Whalum brings his horn to the affair on Juicy. Not my favorite type of groove, but they're groovin' no doubt, I'm giving up props. Chuck Loeb joins in the fun on From The Hip; nice track. Next up, Let's Get Close is the type of groove the title indicates that it is, smooth, chilled. Call in your significant other and turn the lights down, off if you must, LOL. Moving right along, One More Time is one of those Sunday afternoon cruising songs as is The Last Kiss, which then is followed by my favorite of many favorite's on here: Fiona's Song. Man oh man, it doesn't get much better than this, in my humble opininon of course. Mind you, Bali, the next piece, makes a statement for supremacy as well. Nice, real nice indeed. Above The Clouds, featuring George Duke, gets us back into radio friendly territory again. I can hear the DJs trying to sound all sexy as they intro/outro this; you know how they sometimes take themselves too seriously, LOL. Memories Of You clocks in at 1:23 and is Brian doing his acoustic thing. Kool. Michael Brecker opens proceedings on the final cut That's Right, and is center stage for the first 1:30 seconds. I'll fess up and say initially I considered the stop button option, but I hung with it and submit to you that once Brian comes in, it all makes sense, so to speak. Great CD"

Great Album,Great keyboardist

Kelly Dacey | 09/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think "Above The Clouds" is just as good as Brian's previous albums. I love the variety of sounds used on this cd. It remimds me a continuation of his previous cd "It's All Good". I've been a long time fan of Brian's before he became solo. He's a very nice guy with a positive attitude toward life. I would definately have to give this album a Five.

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