Outstanding Performances
Thomas J. Cunniff | New York, NY USA | 05/05/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is simply a brilliant recording of an artist and band at the top of their game. Eric Reed is one of the hardest-working artists in jazz, and plays with a wide variety of singers and groups. That work ethic pays off in a major way for him here: his piano features lyrical lines that demonstrate that he has been listening carefully to singers. Still, those lines have a voice and style all their own.
The trio he has assembled here is world-class, and the sound has it all: swing, muscle, timing and subtlety. What I love here is the interplay: the band swings together and then will shift to feature Willie Jones III on drums, or Rodney Whitaker on bass, or just open up to let a single note or cymbal ring out. The production is stellar, and the music feels alive.
There's a lot of style and heart in this music. This will be in heavy rotation on my iPod for a long time to come. Highly recommended."
100% Talent and Heart
T. N. Jackson | Los angeles, Ca | 05/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Eric Reed sure has come a mighty long way. I have been a long time fan of Mr. Reed and this has got to be my favorite cd to date. To listen to him put such thought and heart into every song is incredible. What i find intriguing is his ability to merge Gospel and Jazz together so that those who enjoy either genre of music can enjoy this cd. My personal favorite is "Gitcha Shout On". I had the pleasure of watching Mr. Reed play this at the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles in March and I was in amazement. That song really got my feet a-tappin. "Everything that has Breath" is a song for soul searching. With the accompaniment of Mr. Willie Jones III and Mr. Rodney Whitaker make the cd flawless. I would definitely recommend " STAND" to anyone in love with really good music. Kudos to Eric Reed!!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1