Search - Various Artists :: Blue Note Trip V.3

Something old and something new

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 08/02/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Much like the rest of the Blue Note Trip Series, Volume 3 is a synthesis of two musical styles. These discs seek to reconcile Blues Note's charmed past with the label's present. Both discs feature an integrated compilation of both smooth jazz and what could be described as vintage jazz. As if a DJ made this compilation in real time, the end of each track overlaps with the next tune to give a feeling of continuity. Sometimes this is done extremely well so that the key and beats actually align. The listener's final judgment will depend on his musical orientation. Since this compilation combines both smooth and vintage jazz, either listener will probably dislike the other's tracks. Unable to give 3 1/2, this vintage jazz listener awarded four stars, taking one away for the smooth jazz selections. The vocal tracks are especially weak. That written, the quality is high enough that despite preference, any jazz listener should appreciate the overall musical quality. The highlights off "Goin' Down" include Jimmy McGriff's 'Black Pearl,' Art Blakey's 'Dat Dere' and Bobby Hutcherson's 'Ummh.' The highlights from "Getting' Up" start with a siren song by Molly Johnson entitled 'Sweet Sublime.' Other strong tracks from disc two include Lou Donaldson's 'Brother Soul,' Mitchell Blue's 'HNIC' and Monk Higgin's 'Gotta Be Funk.' Labi Siffre offers what may be one of the strangest nods to Led Zeppelin. Perhaps intended for the casual or newbie listener, this jazz is real but accessible. As with the rest of the Blue Note Trip series, volume 3 helps to complete the Blue Note circle.



PS. This volume of the Blue Note Trip series seems to be out-of-print. While it deserves to be in-print, it is also not worth $47.49 (the new price) or even $16.97 (the least expensive used price). For a complete track listing that correlates the songs to performers, the consumer will have to visit the amazon.co.uk listing for the product.

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