Search - Marcus Miller :: Tales

A modern bass master

Count Bassie | Chicago | 08/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The problem with most instrumental solo projects is that they are not usually all that interesting to non-musicians. Marcus has overcome that barrier with this, his finest, solo effort. Smooth, funky, sexy, entertaining, not to mention technically impressive, he plays many instuments besides bass. It is a theme album with short oral anectdotes about the history of black music woven between perfectly placed groove oriented musical statements. "Rush Over" is THE perfect make out song. A truely masterful demonstation of the electric bass taken to but rarely crossing the line of overplaying."

Marcus gets serious about love and life

Richard T. Hall | USA | 05/12/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Marcus gets a little deeper and darker on 'Tales'. I love the interludes by all the cats; it adds depth to the musical experience. Since this album is more concept-based, its kind of unfair to pick out favorite tunes. However, 'Forevermore' may be the greatest Bass Guitar Ballad since Jaco did 'A Remark you Made' on Weather Reports' Heavy Weather LP. I mean, it just stays with you, its so hauntingly beautiful. 'Ethiopia' and 'Eric' also stand out, probably because he's using a different sounding bass. While the record doesn't seem to be necessarily geared towards radio formats, 'Tales' is a little more polished than 'The Sun don't Lie'; the tunes are more structured and laid back, and I do like that Bass Clarinet! Mature ears are probably best suited to hear this set of musical 'Tales'."

Another phat cd

bill | RI | 07/11/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This guy is amazing, the quality of jazz he is putting out there is so deep, he has lots of great help, but he wrote the songs. "rush over" is a favorite. The sounds he makes on the bass, everything, the thumps, the plucks, slaps, this cd is well thought out jazz at it's best. Marcus Miller has a new fan. You can't help but turn the volume up. "infatuation" is so bad, as well as "tales". Right off the start from the first track, "the blues", JAMS. What a fantastic jazz cd that has it all, even when he slows it down, he still takes you deep. Also check out "the sun don't lie" his first release, more of the same funky jazz. If you love Victor Wooten or Louis Johnson, you will love Marcus Miller. He is so great, it sounds like there are 2 people playing on 1 bass guitar. This is jazz at it's best. You will enjoy this."