Since the 1950s, the album Clifford Brown with Strings has set the standard for playing ballads on the trumpet. In the 1980s, Wynton Marsalis's Hot House Flowers was a welcome addition to that ballad tradition. With Moment... more » to Moment, Roy Hargrove sets a soft tone for the 21st century. Backed by alto saxophonist Sherman Irby, pianist Larry Willis, bassist Gerald Cannon, and drummer Willie Jones III, Hargrove's tender trumpet and flügelhorn beautifully combine the best of Freddie Hubbard's power and Art Farmer's phrasing. Draped with pillow-soft orchestrations by Hargrove, Willis, Cedar Walton, and Gil Goldstein, the leader sings through his horn with a longing and lyrical melodic touch. Chestnuts like "You Go to My Head," Antonio Carlos Jobim's "How Insensitive," and the title track by Henry Mancini come alive with the same freshness found on Hargrove's newer gems, including Pat Metheny's tearful "Always and Forever" and the trumpeter's own "Natural Wonders." Simply put, this offering from Roy Hargrove is a splendid love letter for a new century. --Eugene Holley Jr.« less
Since the 1950s, the album Clifford Brown with Strings has set the standard for playing ballads on the trumpet. In the 1980s, Wynton Marsalis's Hot House Flowers was a welcome addition to that ballad tradition. With Moment to Moment, Roy Hargrove sets a soft tone for the 21st century. Backed by alto saxophonist Sherman Irby, pianist Larry Willis, bassist Gerald Cannon, and drummer Willie Jones III, Hargrove's tender trumpet and flügelhorn beautifully combine the best of Freddie Hubbard's power and Art Farmer's phrasing. Draped with pillow-soft orchestrations by Hargrove, Willis, Cedar Walton, and Gil Goldstein, the leader sings through his horn with a longing and lyrical melodic touch. Chestnuts like "You Go to My Head," Antonio Carlos Jobim's "How Insensitive," and the title track by Henry Mancini come alive with the same freshness found on Hargrove's newer gems, including Pat Metheny's tearful "Always and Forever" and the trumpeter's own "Natural Wonders." Simply put, this offering from Roy Hargrove is a splendid love letter for a new century. --Eugene Holley Jr.
"Roy Hargrove has taken a page from early Miles Davis, but moreso from early Chet Baker. Also from Stan Getz. That is, to concentrate first on sound, on the beauty of the notes. He blows sweet well formed, luminous tones which put me in mind of Chet with strings. Staying close to the melodic line.After all, if the first note doesn't sound good, it doesn't matter how many notes follow. More Jazz musicians should heed his example.This CD is standards with lush orchestral romantic arrangements behind him, which some purists may say isn't Jazzy enough, but I predict the warm sound will be popular with lovers of all ages. In fact, on the first day of it's release, I'll go out on a limb and predict a best seller for these who like Chet Baker, early Miles Davis, and Diana Krall."
Seising the moment!
rash67 | 07/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the first Roy Hargrove recording I have ever listened to or purchased. I really wished I would have heard of him before this. But maybe that is good. As a new disciple of the jazz genre, I can truly say that this is one for the archives. All the selections are true ballads and neither selection is one to be bypassed for the other. Each tune has it's own identity and meaning, but yet speaks volumes for the completeness of this piece of work. It has an aura all it's own and with the exception of the ballads laid down by Coltrane, I cannot say I have heard anything this beautiful. I would stronly recommend this to anyone looking for the complete jazz ballad cd. This is awesome. I am now a Roy Hargrove fan for life."
In A Word....WOW!
E. B. Hopkins | Seattle, WA | 02/06/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This was my first Roy Hargrove CD, and I actually bought it because I'm taking my wife to see him in two weeks here in Seattle. I was completely amazed at this man's skill for playing the trumpet, both that and the Flugel Horn he REALLY makes sing!From the first track, "You Go To My Head" to the last note of "Another Time" this CD is pure mellow mood and prowess personified. Now I have to get back to the musci store and collect his other works to go with this one.Roy, I'll the one downfront on the 26th cheering and clapping! Plan to play, You Go To My Head! That track is a TRUE stunner!
Even if this man doesn't play your local Jazz club, get this CD...light a candle....and just relax in the mood...Momemt To Moment!--E.B."
One of 2000's Top Jazz CDs!
E. B. Hopkins | 11/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is beautiful. Amazing! It was picked as the #1 Jazz CD of 2000 in A.B.O.E. Association! Roy Hargrove grooves and plays the trumpet like a god mellow tonE!"
Lush Life
E. B. Hopkins | 02/06/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Here's a beautiful collection of ballads by Roy Hargrove. Caution: This CD is not for everyday use; rather, it is intended to remind you of sweeping, lush landscapes of life...memories of how wonderful it felt to be in love...hopelessly, madly and passionately. It speaks of candlelight, dinner for two, starlight, and all of the things one might hold as sacred and so dear. For one hour, it allows you to escape the responsibilities and complexities of everyday life.Enjoy!"