Search - Howard Roberts :: The Magic Band, Live At Donte's

Mellow background jazz

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 08/16/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Why did Howard Roberts name this the Magic Band? Magic they have found -the perfect musical potion for putting listeners to sleep. This music doesn't swing or rock . . . it snores. Perhaps that's a bit too harsh since this album is not without merit. Initially, I was ecstatic to hear one of my guitar heroes live. Upon listening, I discovered that this show drags along in a colorless medium tempo humdrum. While 'All Blues' is my favorite track, that's just because I love Miles Davis. For the most part, "Live At Donte's" has no significant highlights. That written, the album doesn't really have anything wrong with it; this jazz is mediocre, not bad. It has Howard Roberts's signature "I know it's a little kitschy but I can't stop listening" guitar. The organ spews out chunks of funk. The bass and drums hold everything together while there's an occasional sax solo. The recording quality is excellent. If you're looking for a relaxed evening of mellow background jazz, this CD will fit the bill."