Growing Up in the 70's
A. Davis | Greenville, SC | 01/30/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Roy Hargrove mentioned in a recent magazine article that RH Factor was his opportunity to play in the style of some of the music he grew up listening to. His goal was to play it like he heard it back then, but also to update the sound to incorporate things he has learned along the way. To that end, "Strength", just like "Hard Groove" is an unqualified success. Where as "Hard Groove" laid more on the R&B vibe, "Strength" migrates over to the Soul Jazz landscape.
There is a solid 1970's vibe running through each track on this disc. "Rich Man's Welfare" is a J B's type jam with a strong groove and firery horns. You can hear Tower of Power themes running through "Bop Drop". This track is cut from the same fabric as "Oakland Stoke" and "Squibb Cakes". It has a great organ & horn jam section at the end . The title track "Strength" is a nod to the vibe Donald Byrd created during his "Blackbirds" and "Places and Spaces" period. This music also hints at the electric jazz that Feddie Hubbard recorded during his 70's Columbia period. "Listen Here" is straight up Soul Jazz with a hint of Crusaders and electric Miles Davis. "For Fun" would have fitted comfortably on "Hard Groove" with its' nice R & B / dancefloor groove. "Universe" takes me back to Donald Byrd and Lonnie Liston Smith with a hint of Freddie Hubbard. Nice job Roy.
Some will write these tracks off as out of character for Roy Hargrove. This music is important because it is a part of the Roy Hargrove's history. Every now and then, we all need to reflect back on the things in our past that made us who we are today. RH Factor allows Roy to reconnect to something he obviously loves. I enjoyed this recording as much as I have enjoyed everthing he has recorded in the past. Whether he plays Jazz, Cuban music, R&B or Soul Jazz, Roy Hargrove has something to say. He plays what's in his heart, and for that, I respect his talent and the way he presents his music. Nice going Roy - Peace!!!"
Legends at work
bluetrane | Montreal, Quebec Canada | 02/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"listening to roy hargrove and karl denson play is as exciting as joe henderson/lee morgon or miles an trane. nuff said"
Strong!
Gwada Massive | 03/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not for everyone, but the music on this record is definitely way up there. It's the new bop folks, listen up."