All Artists: Chuck Loeb Title: Ebop Members Wishing: 1 Total Copies: 0 Label: Shanachie Release Date: 7/8/2003 Genres: Jazz, Pop Style: Smooth Jazz Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPCs: 016351510327, 669910068854 |
Chuck Loeb Ebop Genres: Jazz, Pop
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CD ReviewsDon't let Ebop slip through the cracks..... gq_online@yahoo.com | T dot-O dot, Canada | 07/25/2003 (5 out of 5 stars) "We all know Loeb is a prolific, skilled guitar player, who consistenly drops a new cd every year and has been successful because they basically all sound the same. Ebop throws out the old formula and the result is innovative, fresh, urban contemporary and continues 2003's turnaround year for jazz releases. We warm up with the title track Ebop, Loeb cuts loose with an assist from icon Randy Brecker (who just about invented the smooth jazz genre). Obviously this track is like an opening number at a concert preparing the listener for what's to come and you're hoping the rest of the CD is like this. Well-it is BETTER. If you listen closly BRAINSTORM opens like Alexander O'Neal's "Love Makes No Sense" then breaks down into a slow funky groove that not only forces you to listen-but to understand-the man can play. Now Loeb calls in Jeff Kashiwa for BACK TO THE BISTRO which is a straight up JAM and reminicent of an old Brecker Bros arrangement (yes Will Lee is on the cd also)-believe it or not this is not the best track on Ebop. FOOLPROOF-well you're gonna have to find out yourself about this one and your speakers will thank you because because it will be the first workout that they've had in ages-hang in with this jam Kashiwa will walk into the crib like Maceo and you will jump out your seat, guaranteed. The other tracks on Ebop keep the groove alive and makes this a cd you do not want to sleep on..." Good, but... M. P. Wright | HOUSTON, TX USA | 08/01/2003 (4 out of 5 stars) "Chuck lets loose with some excellent licks on Ebop and the horns are a nice touch, but the drum loops and electronic gadgetry are annoying. The compositions are pleasant and there are no sappy vocals, but there is nothing really exciting or memorable here. The real attraction, as always, is Chuck's beautiful tone and brilliant dexterity." E(levator)Bop Steven Swain | Rocky Mount, VA USA | 03/01/2004 (4 out of 5 stars) "Chuck Loeb's "eBop" is, as the title suggests, an electronic take on the neo-bop sound that has typified Loeb's music over his last several solo releases. Neither a standout or a disappointment, the album succeeds at many levels while failing at others. For example, when taken as a single entitiy, "eBop" succeeds. Each track from the groovin' title track to to the stylish "Bring It" (dig the Chic-like guitar-bass interplay) to the neo-vintage "Parallax" provides the perfect set-up for the next track. Loeb's love of Wes Montgomery and Larry Carlton has gelled into a guitar style that is distinctly his, with elements of his muses. There is brilliance in his tone and dexterity.Taken individually, however, the tracks on "eBop" seem a little warmed over and repetitive. Even with great guests like Randy Brecker and Will Lee, things seem a little stilted. The problem certainly isn't individual or group talent, nor is it the prominent electronics that comprise the "e" of "eBop" as some revewers have suggested. The problem with the album is that it's too singular. Loeb writes, plays, co-produces and generally dominates each track, a similarity (and problem) he shares with Prince, Jeff Lorber and underground R&B legend Gary Taylor. Bringing in an outside producer could have livened things up considerably, as well as adding a little more texture to the electronic arrangements.As one reviewer has already suggested, this album will be decent fodder for the sound systems of department stores and casual dining chains all over North America, but is unlikely to stir strong reactions. If you're an ardent Chuck Loeb fan, stick with him and buy this album. If you're a casual fan, get Loeb's album "All There Is" instead. It's a lot livelier and less repetitive."
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