Search - James Newton Howard :: James Newton Howard & Friends

Are you adventurous?

Robert Harvey | Lancaster, CA USA | 11/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Those of you who know Toto will know the musicians on this album. But the music will surprise you. A deft mix of jazzy rock instrumentals, performed entirely on electronic keyboards while the legendary Jeffery Porcaro plays drums.I was first introduced to this music by, of all things, one of those freebie giveaway vinyl things that you used to find inside magazines, and could put on your turntable and play. Yamaha was promoting their new line of DX-7 musical instruments. I was so startled and captivated by the music that I hunted for the album. The liner notes alone are worth the price of admission, as they tell the story of how Sheffield Labs managed to corral these talented artists for TWO DAYS! to record the album.The original vinyl album is a direct to disk recording, which means that the music was played, from beginning to end, without interruption (except one break between vinyl sides one and two). No retakes for these guys. The recording is sublime.If you are adventurous and like Toto and jazz fusion, you will like this album. Especially if you a looking for something a little different."

Great modern jazz music

Jim Starkweather | Clovis, CA United States | 12/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I actually discovered this album while working at an electronics store back in the mid-80's. It WAS VERY GOOD at testing stereo gear! Also this album (though short) is well-worth the price-tag. I think I paid $25 for mine in 1986. :)"

One of the best fusion jazz CDs ever

R. Kyle | USA | 04/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's a collaborative effort between James Newton Howard on the keyboard and Jeff Porcaro on drums. The album was originally recorded directly to disk with only one break.



I discovered "James Newton Howard and Friends" at a stereo store. I used it to buy my first pair of really good speakers. Now, I take this CD with me every single time I buy any audio equipment. It's still one of the gold standards of jazz for me.

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