A brilliant, elegant kaleidoscope.
jazzias | 03/26/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The journey continues for Chuck Loeb as he explores the world of musical art. His beautiful "paintings" have delighted me for many years now and he certainly flourishes with his palate here. He is a consummate jazz guitarist and a particularly emotive performer, immersing himself in his music and enveloping the audience in his brilliant playing.
His material has a knack of seeming familiar to listeners from across the musical spectrum, with his tracks based around solid, memorable melodies that still provide great scope for experimentation and expansion.
There's passion, grace and a subtle power to the pieces on this album. Chuck is so often put into the "Smooth Jazz" bracket - whatever that means? However, it is not that simple - I find his music often defies definition. It can be all things!
The title comes from the fact that the tracks were recorded part in New York and part in Berlin, Germany.
This time he goes for a basic production and the simple appeal of guitar, bass, and drums. Now and then he is joined by a bunch of jazz cats like Will Lee, Gerald Veasley and Eric Marienthal on bass, Brian Culbertson on trombone, Nathan Eklund and German sensation Till Brönner on trumpet, Dave Weckl on drums, David Charles and Barshiri Johnson on percussion, Par Bergeson on harmonica, while his wife, songwriter/vocalist Carmen Cuesta and daughter Lizzy Loeb provide some fantastic vocals.
A great deal of jazz, essence of 'world', with a classical impression and a post-bop nuance. Oh yes - so smooth but not always gentle. Steady bass lines, cool keys and layer after layer of great guitar and drum. Wonderful rhythms grace every track.
I have eclectic tastes in music, I love variety but this is something I put on to chill out to, or when I cannot make up my mind.
I really like the Brazilian vibes of the title track, co-written with wife Carmen Cuesta, the cover of Jobim's "Só Tinha de Ser Com Você" (again with Carmen), the killer song "Oh No You Didn't" (with the brilliant vocals from Lizzy Loeb) and the beautiful "Hiram" - a tribute to the late guitarist Hiram Bullock - and "360", dedicated to fellow guitarist Pat Metheny.
Steady bass lines, cool keys and layer after layer of percussion. Wonderful rhythms grace every track.
These latin grooves and jazzy, funky beats are a real joy to sit back and listen to.
The album debuts at # 14 of the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz chart.
Issue date: 2009-04-11
Your Move
Rio
Peace of Mind"
Great album!
Jean Ndap | Butler, PA USA | 01/04/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Chuck Loeb shows in this album that he is terrific guitarist! I love his playing style! Everyone of his supporting cast on this album did an excellent job! Perfect arrangements! His wife Carmen and his daughter Lizzy on the vocals is something very refreshing! This is a very good album!!! Congrats Chuck!!!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1