This CD is what jazz is all about.
sNap | Canada | 02/14/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Life on Earth" is a great CD. What I love about jazz the most is the freedom that it gives musicians to explore rythms, sounds and melodies. This album takes full advantage of that freedom in integrating music from other cultures, and in exploring so many different musical ideas. It is not like me to play a cd over and over, but I have listened to Life on Earth at least 10 times during the last few days. Each time a little more of the music reveals itself to me.Renee Rosnes is, in my view, an unappreciated talent, and a truely original artist. Her compositions come across as being written for the sure joy of capturing life's experiences in music, and her playing conveys that joy beautifully.All of Ms. Rosnes albums are worth owning, and "Life on Earth" is a good place to start your collection."
Absolutely wonderful!
sNap | 01/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Admittedly, I have been a "sometime" fan of Ms. Rosnes, having picked up a few of her CDs over the years. But after reading a positive review of this CD and its exploration of fusing jazz with World Beats, I immediately ordered it. And it has not been off my player since it arrived! Along with a track featuring Steve Turre and with a beautifully moody piece called "Ballad of the Sad Young Men", this CD sweeps you away with the images it conjures. Amazing!"
Do yourself a favor and buy this.
Robert R. Muder | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 02/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've had the privilege of seeing Renee Rosnes live on two occasions in large group settings. The first was with the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Reunion band; even in this truly All Star assemblage she stole the show.
In general I'm not a big fan of jazz forays into world music, but this one works. It's definitely jazz, played with lyricism and technical virtuosity, and the exotic influences seem natural, not forced as they do with so many cross-cultural explorations.
This is an artist who deserves much wider exposure and wider recognition."