Search - Courtney Pine :: Underground

Moving the Courtney Pine sound right along...that's about it

Henri Edward Dongieux | 11/02/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I have to disagree with the 5-star enthusiasm of the other reviewers here. Underground is a very solid album, no doubt, and CP definitely does a good job of combining the sax work with some nice new crunchy beats and bright and boppy melodies. The problem is, though, after the singular brilliance of Modern Day Jazz Stories, this one sounds a little bland and formulaic, like it's trying but can't quite get there. From the sound-effect intro and outro down to the length and style and number of the songs, Underground is heavily patterned after its successful predecessor, but doesn't reach the same emotional vistas. The tunes move along as they should, but I'm starting to recognize the sax riffs a little too well. And compositionally/improvisationally, there's nothing here that even begins to approach the soaring heights and moodiness of 'Dah blessing' or 'Creation stopper'. Too bright and happy for me. I guess we all get a little mellower when we have kids. Nonetheless, I've bought three copies of Underground so far and have seen him live from New Orleans to Amsterdam, and I can say that the live experience makes all of this album talk pretty irrelevant. His band can hardly keep up with him!"

Smoking

Early | Stamford,CT | 03/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great album. Played it to death. From the ethereal "Invisible" and "Silver Surfer" to the hard funk of "Oneness of Mind" and "Underground" - a great fusion of hip hop and jazz. And the accompaniment CANNOT be overlooked, particularly Cyrus Chestnut and his work on the electric piano. And oh yeah, if you like driving with all the windows down, sunroof open, or top down, with the stereo going, I think you'll like this one."

This is Great 'British Jazz'

Early | 05/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Courtney is definately one of the best things to come out of the home scene for some time. loads of talent and the ability to add an extra twist to the sound. Saw the act in Milton Keynes a month ago. If you get the chance to see this guy do it live - TAKE IT"