Search - Groove Collective :: Declassified

Good, though not as Jam-packed as previous works

08/07/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Those familiar with GC know that these guys can really turn the party out, cool it down or just plain groove. This CD starts out great, with the groovalistic UP ALL NIGHT and heads into a few more sweet tunes up through Some People, a high- intensity jam with some sweet work by flutist Richard Worth and vibes specialist Bill Ware. After that, however, some of the tracks seem more like sketches that still need some work..one noticable absence is trumpet player Fabio Morgera, who's been a consistent member of the band and is listed on the credits here, but you'd be hard pressed to find one of his fiery solos on this whole CD. Too bad. Jay Rodruigez amazes on Sax as usual and scores a special highlight with his "Sabrosona," a beautiful Cuban-flavored jam with ultratight horns and great rhythms. Some of the later tracks flag a bit..in contrast to 1998's "Drunken Master" which is stellar from start to finish. Every GC album is a unique experience so it's hard to complain - I'm just glad these guys are still making music to liven up stereos and transport minds."

Groove fizzled out!

vivek savant | Chicago, IL | 09/10/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"...GC seems to have some what lost their jazz sensibilities with this one. Altough, most of the trax smoke, the groove is fizzled. They had it real tight upto "dance of the drunken master", but now they seem to be banking on the dance/hip-hop audience (ignoring fellow boppers). BUT, they still churn out some of the best jazz-funk music today.Check out the cuban funk of "Sabrosona" or the jazzed-up,heavy-improv of Lennon-McCartney's "Martha my dear""

Credit Where It's Due

vivek savant | 12/19/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Regardless of what other people say, I love this album! It was my first Groove Collective album bought and it left a big impression. The simple fact that I'm back to buy more shows my support. I feel it was a great intro to the world of GC. I'm excited to hear the other albums. For those of you new to the GC scene, like I was, I really feel that you'll enjoy the intense and fantastic rhythm, beat, and percussion of the acid jazz groove!!! I still keep it in my top 10 cd's, even after almost 2 years!"