Search - Nguyen Le :: Purple: Celebrating Jimi Hendrix

Unique voice & excellent work

Harold Smith | USA | 11/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's a tall order to tackle the best Hendrix' tunes and come up with something interesting that makes the listener put the inevitable comparisons aside. But Nguyen Le hits the mark.



What makes it interesting is that even if he occasionly uses a wailing rock sound, Le is not really a "Rock guitarist". He takes us into his own vision and rearranges the tunes into original pieces of work. In fact, the rock/blues purists may be disappointed here, whereas the Jazz/Fusion/World Music audience will probably enjoy it. Once themes are recognized, Le takes us on a journey that reveals unexpected angles on the original compositions.



The arrangements and the playing are superb. Kudos to Terri Lynne Carrington for her drums, vocal and musical contributions. I only take a half star away for Aida Khann's singing in a foreign language on a couple tunes -- it's probably there to emphasize African roots but it also sounds a bit out of place; Jimmy's words would have been fine.



In the universe of Jazz, Fusion and World Music, Nguyen Le has a unique voice. I hope this artist gets the recognition he deserves.

"

Cool grooves

N. Kearney | 01/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Punctillious in its hommage to Jimi, yet uninhibitally original in the interpretations, these cool grooves would please the jazz man that Jimi was becoming."

If only one would have convinced her NOT to sing...

inkster | 06/20/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This album would be a lot better if terry lyne carrington had stuck to playing drums, rather than sing as well.

She sounds like...well, let's not go there.

I think she shouldn't have.

Other wise this dinc could be a real winner."