Search - Mike Ledonne :: Fivelive

Great modern bop

Matthew Miller | New York, New York | 05/23/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I found this a very satisfying album. While not groundbreaking in any way, it showcases a very solid modern bop band. Besides Mike LeDonne on piano, the quintet includes the prodigious talents of Eric Alexander on saxophone, Jeremy Pelt on trumpet, John Webber on bass and Joe Farnsworth on drums. It's a great band and they have plenty of time to stretch out on each of the tracks. Plenty of interesting interplay between them as well. The songs are mostly originals, except Manteca and 'I've got it Bad'. They are fresh throughout. Each track is perfectly satisfying in it's own right. I thought this was a pretty fun album. Although I don't think it will shock any serious jazz listener, it provides plenty of great solos and should please any fan of the art form."

Great Jazz

Stephen M. Charme | Cranford, NJ United States | 03/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album absolutely blew me away with its energy, originality, and audacious solos. The five musicians on this album work flawlessly in sync with each other, yet also let each other show their talent in solos. If you like jazz pianists like Bill Charlap and Eric Reed, you will love this album. If you are not familiar with the talented Mike LeDonne and want to buy just one album of his, make it this one. You will not be disappointed. He is one of the most gifted modern jazz pianists, and this album really showcases his virtuosity and soul."