The Process - Terence Blanchard, Simon, Edward [Pian
Joe & O
I Thought About You - Terence Blanchard, Mercer, Johnny
Terence Blanchard emerged as a young lion in the 1980s along with his New Orleans homeboy and fellow trumpeter, Wynton Marsalis. Blanchard released several recordings with Donald Harrison and scored a few soundtracks, incl... more »uding Spike Lee's Mo' Better Blues and Malcolm X. This splendid album follows his film music tribute, Jazz in Film, and returns Blanchard to the straight-ahead fold. With an even singing and swinging tone, Blanchard is backed by drummer Eric Harland, pianist Ed Simon, and newcomer alto and tenor saxophonists Brice Winston and Aaron Fletcher. The legendary bassist Dave Holland anchors the bottom and ensures the grooves. Blanchard's melodically compelling compositions range from the mystical moods of "Luna Viajera" and "Sweet's Dream" (an elegy to the late trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison) to the uptempo "Sidney's Song" (for clarinetist Sidney Bechet), which recall's Blanchard's days with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. On board for Wandering Moon is another Jazz Messenger alumnus, tenor saxophonist Branford Marsalis, who displays his Wayne Shorter/John Coltrane solo signature on the '60s-style tunes "If I Could, I Would," "My Only Thought of You," and "Joe & O." On the standard "I Thought About You," Blanchard takes center stage with an ebullient trumpet voice that rings from the silver screen to the bandstand. --Eugene Holley, Jr.« less
Terence Blanchard emerged as a young lion in the 1980s along with his New Orleans homeboy and fellow trumpeter, Wynton Marsalis. Blanchard released several recordings with Donald Harrison and scored a few soundtracks, including Spike Lee's Mo' Better Blues and Malcolm X. This splendid album follows his film music tribute, Jazz in Film, and returns Blanchard to the straight-ahead fold. With an even singing and swinging tone, Blanchard is backed by drummer Eric Harland, pianist Ed Simon, and newcomer alto and tenor saxophonists Brice Winston and Aaron Fletcher. The legendary bassist Dave Holland anchors the bottom and ensures the grooves. Blanchard's melodically compelling compositions range from the mystical moods of "Luna Viajera" and "Sweet's Dream" (an elegy to the late trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison) to the uptempo "Sidney's Song" (for clarinetist Sidney Bechet), which recall's Blanchard's days with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. On board for Wandering Moon is another Jazz Messenger alumnus, tenor saxophonist Branford Marsalis, who displays his Wayne Shorter/John Coltrane solo signature on the '60s-style tunes "If I Could, I Would," "My Only Thought of You," and "Joe & O." On the standard "I Thought About You," Blanchard takes center stage with an ebullient trumpet voice that rings from the silver screen to the bandstand. --Eugene Holley, Jr.
Rob Watkins | Augusta, Georgia United States | 05/12/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"mr. blanchard returns to the format in which he first came to prominence as a "young lion" in the mid-1980s along with the brothers marsalis, donald harrison, et al. during that time the approach was neo-bop, featuring fast and furious soloing, complex charts, and a complete disdain for all things smooth or electric. here, the tone has shifted, becoming more cool, in a miles davis sense, with greater emphasis placed on developing moods and atmosphere. the playing is first rate, with mr. blanchard giving us a wide range of the trumpet's tonal palette. without using a mute, he creates the same sultry mood and feel, particularly on the opening track. the ballads are silky, and the interplay within the band is excellent. dave holland makes a great guest appearance on bass, and the presence of branford marsalis continues to whet the appetite for more releases from him. for a relaxed, but depthful session, give this a listen. as good as mr. blanchard's film music has been, this is a great reminder of his straight ahead jazz chops."
Dark and lonely sensous romanticism
THOMAS GUTIERREZ JR | OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA United States | 04/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The lonelyness of the heart creates many images and yet touches the core of our being. Terence caresses this with a outing of superb lonely romance dwelled in modern hipness. The feel I get is, Herbie Hancock , Wayne Shorter 60s Blue note ventures. The side musicians blend and enhance Terences strong and longing playing. Edward Simon is stunning as usual in both his solos and comping. For anyone who loves pure Jazz with a classical suite enhancement, with all the hipness of the present, without the cliches of traditional Jazz, this is your cd. Adding,Terence playing is flawless and passionate as any great trumpet player, alive or deceased. A must for any true Jazz fan. 5 Stars"
Ignore 1 star review
Music Lover | Vancouver, BC, Canada | 05/03/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ignore the 1 star reviewer. Jazz obviously isn't a mainstay of their musical palette and you have to take their opinion in that light. This person was looking for something they listened to on a movie soundtrack and so was disappointed to hear the real thing - duh. I too was in that state of ignorance once so I shouldn't criticize too much. Developing a taste for jazz, like fine wine, is something comes with time and can't be rushed. Buy this CD, it is simply brilliant and someday the critic will become the fan."
Magical!
Karl W. Nehring | Ostrander, OH USA | 07/06/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Trumpeter Terence Blanchard leads out on a terrific session accompanied by Aaron Fletcher, Branford Marsalis, and Brice Winston on saxophones; Edward Simon on piano; Dave Holland on bass; and Eric Harland on drums. Seven of the ten cuts are by Blanchard, one is by Simon, one is a standard (Mercer and Van Heusen's "I Thought About You"), and one is a short bass solo performed by Holland. The music is tight but expressive, and the playing seems perfect. Blanchard says in the liner notes that much of the music was composed with his wife in mind, and the love that comes through the compositions and the tenderness of the playing speak well for the quality of their union. The opening cut, "Luna Viajera" ("Wandering Moon"), sets the tone for the rest of the CD: very thoroughly composed, not just a riff, but strong in its emotional appeal without ever sounding sentimental. This is adult music, mature music, played by young hearts, jazz at its finest, a truly magical release."
Hauntingly Beautiful
Kevin Millis | New York | 05/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hauntingly beautiful with a combination of durge like tunes, Orleans influence and post bop - very enjoyable. Have not heard much of his earlier music - but this is a great introduction."