Despite the title, this disc--simultaneously released with Distractions, a CD by his neo-soul group, RH Factor--is trumpeter Roy Hargrove's first acoustic jazz recording since 2000 release, Moment to Moment. The leader's f... more »ull-bodied, bravura tones are as bright and bold as ever, edging more into the stylistic atmosphere once occupied by the former trumpet god, Freddie Hubbard. Hargrove is backed by a quintet featuring ex-Jazz Messenger, pianist Ronnie Matthews, bassist Dwayne Burno, drummer Willie Jones IIII, and alto saxophonist/flutist Justin Robinson. They pull no punches on these no-nonsense tunes, like the Latin-tinged title track, and the John Coltrane/Ornette Coleman-coded "Camaraderie." Special guest Slide Hampton makes his elegant trombone presence felt on his soaring tune, "A Day in Vienna," on the waltzy "Salima's Dance," and the standard, "Invitation." So much for the myth that jazz musicians like Hargrove can't play funk and swing at the same time. --Eugene Holley, Jr.« less
Despite the title, this disc--simultaneously released with Distractions, a CD by his neo-soul group, RH Factor--is trumpeter Roy Hargrove's first acoustic jazz recording since 2000 release, Moment to Moment. The leader's full-bodied, bravura tones are as bright and bold as ever, edging more into the stylistic atmosphere once occupied by the former trumpet god, Freddie Hubbard. Hargrove is backed by a quintet featuring ex-Jazz Messenger, pianist Ronnie Matthews, bassist Dwayne Burno, drummer Willie Jones IIII, and alto saxophonist/flutist Justin Robinson. They pull no punches on these no-nonsense tunes, like the Latin-tinged title track, and the John Coltrane/Ornette Coleman-coded "Camaraderie." Special guest Slide Hampton makes his elegant trombone presence felt on his soaring tune, "A Day in Vienna," on the waltzy "Salima's Dance," and the standard, "Invitation." So much for the myth that jazz musicians like Hargrove can't play funk and swing at the same time. --Eugene Holley, Jr.
Title says: - Nothing serious. I tell you it's a lie!
Carlos from Rio | Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil | 05/27/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"At last the great Roy Hargrove comes back to the way he must have never got away from. This is pure, golden Jazz and it is very serious.
Roy Hargrove in the Jazz tradition from his early recordings with a new group and with Slide Hampton playing trombone in no more than three out of the eight tracks. Great!
The same uptempo swinging tracks and slowdown ballads with a samba track (what a delight!)which have marked Hargrove's Jazz albums.
A great 2006 surprise to celebrate Hargrove's return to his roots after a long time trying new ways, boring ways.
By the way, this is the true 'new way' for Hargrove: brand-new and creative compositions by members of the group, one by Hargrove, an inspired 'Day in Vienna' by Slide Hampton plus one only standard, the great Bronislau Kaper's 'Invitation' from the self-titled movie picture. Well balanced!
A delicious toast to Jazz! Cheers!"
The more serious of the two...
o dubhthaigh | north rustico, pei, canada | 05/24/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"... releases by Hargrove out now is another stellar turn at just how remarkable and inventive and vibrant a band leader he is. DISTRACTIONS is a great fun record, this is a powerhouse of intricate turns on jazz standard style music, with a subtlety and a dynamism that often gets buried by those attempting to preserve the "purity of jazz." Whatever that is.
In Hargrove's case, the point is shut up and play. And does he ever! In so doing he has assembled a group of colleagues who still have something to prove within a given context - i.e. that this context can still matter vitally to how you consider your life. And while it is ironically titled, his irony underscores the accomplishments he has effected with this terrific release. You'll like everything about this: it was recorded nearly perfectly - the definition among the players is clear. The music reaches over and pulls you into its confidence, and you will find yourself coming away from the experience beaming with ideas. This is a truly inspirational effort and without making any more of it, let's just say that God help us all if Roy gets real serious."
Just keeps getting better...
C. Karcher | San Antonio, Texas USA | 07/05/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The man can play jazz. It may just be a coincidence, but after seeing Roy Hargrove in concert with Herbie Hancock last year, this CD sounds better than any of Hargrove's previous albums, all of which are good.
Fast or slow, hard or easy the music just sounds terrific."
Weary of Self-Important Reviewers
Nunzio Belladonna | Randolph, Vermont United States | 03/08/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is just to say I'm happy Roy got back into his groove and has apparently escaped the clutches of those who tried dressing him in alien robes. He sounds great on this set, and the addition of Slide is a welcome intergenerational romp. As for the reviewer who whines of his own ennui with hard bop, etc., and takes the opportunity to rank on Wynton Marsalis: that sort of "see how hip I am" naysaying and peronal attack is so lame. Suggestion: pick up your horn and do something about it - and may the spirit of Art Blakey forgive you."
Very well done.
D. Alder | Michigan | 10/04/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Overall, I think this is an excellent disc. Good bop-style on some tracks, great tone by Hargrove on the more mellow ones. This disc by Hargrove deserves much praise for a few reasons: clever compositions, great playing, and choosing Willie Jones III for some very nice percussion! Hargrove can swing like the former Blue-Note horn players, yet is still a fresh sound. Solid jazz CD, and worth the money...."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
