Search - Michel Camilo :: Live at the Blue Note (Hybr)

A great document of their show missing 1 key ingredient ...

J. Golden | New York, NY | 02/19/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"As a fan of the Michel Camilo trio this recording is a great document of what fans have always talked about after seeing their performances. You can expect: varied compositions (from haunting ballads to the bluesy to the most fiery latin), brilliant virtuosity & group interplay of the highest order. That is here in spades. Also the sound quality, imaging & dynamic range of the DSD recording is impressive.



Sadly what is lacking is the combination of players that I've had the honor of witnessing over a period almost a decade long at New York's Blue Note. I'm referring to Anthony Jackson's contribution to the Camilo trio sound.



Here is an artist who perfectly complements Michel Camilo's sensibilities, not to mention that he posesses a sensitivity to tone that is unparalleled. No disrespect is meant towards the talents of Charles Flores. However the dynamic range of the group is now compromised. On uptempo compositions the upright just doesn't have the clarity to match Camilo's tone the way Anthony Jackson's contrasbass guitar did, especially on unison line passages.



The choices Mr. Jackson made have always touched my soul. He might save his lowest pitch & loudest dynamic for the last note of a ballad that crescendos over the group. I clearly remember a rare solo he took on a ballad using a volume pedal as an expression pedal. Those moments & Anthony Jackson's presence in the group are sorely missed.



Last I can't help but wonder if pressure from the label has influenced the decision to have a "legitimate" upright bass so as to appeal to conservative listeners & gain more radio airplay as well. It is sad that players who've shared so much & developed a musical language together over decades are no longer working together.



For those curious to hear & see what I'm talking about watch the Camilo trio's performance in the film "Calle 54." Then you will know what's missing. (The option is not available but I'd give this CD a rating of 3 1/2 stars.) Just my two cents."

Live is Always Better

David K. Johnson | Deerfield, Massachusetts | 01/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you enjoy Camilo's studio recordings, you'll love this live CD. His best, most innovative, most adventurous, most technically dazzling work to date."

Smokin'

Alexander Tsesis | Chicago, IL USA | 09/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a smokin' live album. I have several of Camilo's CDs and this live session shows him at his best. Besides at the low price it's a steal because the two CD set contains 2 hrs, 15 mnts of music. From start to finish Camilo is energetic and the rhythm section keeps up with his ebullience. He has a very unique style of play that sets him out as one of the top jazz pianists. Camilo brings fresh touch and makes for a delightful listening experience. I recommend to get this live collection and turn it up so you can hear the subtlety of this exceptional trio."