Vintage Herbie
Glenn R. Ellison | Pembroke Pines, Florida United States | 07/23/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This two CD set is a great starting point for someone just delving into the many-varied musical world of the late, great Herbie Mann. "Waterbed" came out a year after his "Discoteque" album which produced the top twenty hit "Hijack." While the title track avoids the confines of disco, it does have an infectious beat, typical of Herbie. There are some real treasures on this album. "Deus Xango" by Argentinian Astor Piazolla is a deep, brooding number that can be listened to again and again. Cissy Houston's incredible voice is featured on the beautifully sad "Violet Don't Be Blue." She also provides the vocals for "I Got A Woman" by Ray Charles.The second recording on this set is "Surprises, featuring Cissy Houston." This is one of my all-time favorite Herbie Mann albums. Herbie plays alto flute on "Draw Your Brakes," a beautiful reggae tune from "The Harder They Come." Next Herbie provides a haunting introduction on bass flute to J.J. Cale's "Cajun Moon." Cissy Houston is outstanding on both of these tunes as well as on Stevie Wonder's "Creepin," "Easter Rising" and "Asa Branca."While both of these albums might be considered somewhat "popish," (moreso of "Waterbed" than "Surprises") there's no question that they offer so much more than today's typical smooth-jazz."
One of Herbie's Best
Glenn R. Ellison | 05/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of Herbie's best works and "Waterbed" was one of his first albums that I have owned. So not only does the music sound great to me but also it brings back happy memories."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1