Search - Django Bates :: Summer Fruits

Some of the best music available!

Christopher Siebold | Chicago, IL USA | 11/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was the first Django solo record I discovered after listening to his playing and writing for years with Bill Bruford's "EARTHWORKS". I was alerted to it's existence by a shining review in Down Beat magazine. I'm very thankful for that because this single CD turned my musical world upside down. The arrangements are unbelievably creative and fresh, the playing is outstanding, and the sound of the ensemble and intention of the compositions are extremely moving. From start to finish, this recording is a masterpiece and is the closest to my heart of the Django catalogue. It changed my life for the better. It gave me a sense for what is possible in music and completely amped my own creativity. I can't say enough about this one. It may be the finest contemporary jazz offering I've ever heard. I can't help but listen with immense respect, awe, and thanksgiving. Anyone who takes the time to listen intently to music will be rewarded 100 fold, time and time again, by this music. Buy several copies and give them to trusted friends. Spread the word about this music. You will not be disappointed!"

Infectiously blokish enthusiasm

E. Hinchman | 07/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm glad to see that this record finally got a review, and I'd like to second that previous reviewer's praise. I've been listening to Summer Fruits at regular intervals for nearly twelve years, and it doesn't get old. The counterpoint is very clever, and the melodies infectious without being cloying or otherwise irritating. (You don't mind the inevitability of their swimming around in your head for a few hours after each listen.) I seem to recall that the Penguin guys describe the record as "blokish," and that's just the right term: these blokes (two female) -- both the 19-piece "Delightful Precipice" (which plays on 7 tracks) and the 4-piece "Human Chain" (which plays on 4) -- convey such a likeably enthusiastic attitude that you can't quite believe it when, listening hard, you notice the incredible complexity of the compositions."