A new distinctive sound.
smoothjazz_views | Beverly Hills, CA | 07/01/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The young and very talented saxman's "Just Getting Started" ( Narada Jazz) has received tremendous reviews across the board and made numerous critics "Best of 2006" year end lists.
For the new recording, his first one for Blue Note, Eric is helped by a bunch of excellent musicians.
Along with multi-instrumentalist Darren Rahn, trumpeter Jason Rahn, bassist Mel Brown, guitarists Norman Brown (only on the track "Just for The Moment") and Frank Selman, Darius plays his alto and tenor horns with an unrestrained passion.
Together they make refined, mood music that spins free-wheeling imagination.
The first track "Just Like That" is an upbeat jam to get the party started.
To appeal to all generations Eric has incorporated some of our R&B hits of today like the track "Because of You" by Ne-Yo. The title track "Goin' All Out" is off the hook, guaranteed to get your head bobbin'.
The title track "Goin' All Out" is off the hook, guaranteed to get your head bobbin'.
You may be impressed to hear each song flowing into the other seamlessly.
The real problem of the album is that here everything is programmed and the lack of live drums.
The material ranges from funky grooves to midtempo pieces and more languorous fare but what immediately impresses is the sureness and controlled power of this very good saxman, who has created a new, distinctive sound that transcends all music boundaries and music styles.
"I didn't want to make a typical "smooth jazz" album. I wanted to create an album that would have more of a universal appeal. In my opinion, says Eric. "This album reflects me and my perspective on music and the way that I hear music. Being that I am coming from a younger generation, you can clearly hear some of those elements of Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop on this album. "Goin' All Out" is a statement of where I'm coming from and who I am".
This is a delightful album and a great achievement for Eric.
My highlights : "Goin' All Out", "Vibe With Me" and "Just For The Moment", featuring Norman Brown.
Night on the Town
Just Getting Started"
Wow!!!!!!!
Darlene H. Perry | Shelbyville, Tennessee | 07/17/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
This is the first cd that I have bought from Eric Darius. It is a very awsome cd I encourage you to get it.The music is vibrant, upbeat, and funky.If you are a real smoth jazz listner this is a must for you. Enjoy!!!!!
Darlene
"
Smooth Breeze
D. Drake | Tampa Fl | 02/11/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Eric is definitely my favorite artist of all time! Even tho' I'm not that old (25 to be exact)...I can appreciate someone else, my age, appreciating jazz.His muZic has a very special way of sending messages without words. Once you play any of Eric's cds, you will begin to feel instant communication with The Man/Woman up above. From "Bird" to "Washington" to "Boney" and "Kenny G" he can hang with the best of 'em, proven in his improvinastion snippets through out the bridges of almost all his songs.Thank you Eric, for this wonderful blessing."