Search - Victor Bailey :: Low Blow

Starts greats, fizzles in the middle, finishes strong...

20to20K | Maryland | 02/05/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Being a huge Jaco fan during his prime I have followed Victor Bailey's career closely. The Philly born funkster was hand picked by Zawinul to replace Jaco when he went off on his Big Band adventures. A wise choice indeed. Bailey style, tone, and timing was very simiiar to Jaco. Plus he was funkier than Jaco could ever dream of being!



When I saw this release was coming out I was very excited...loving his work with Weather Report, Kevin Eubanks,

Lenny White et al, I thought he would shine on this solo project. He had another solo CD earlier, Kid Logic, that was spotty, but showed promise as leader.



This CD started off great...the first 3 cuts are stellar. Great groves augmented by outstanding drumming by Omar and Chambers.

The Jaco tribute was a little annoying...but I let it go.

Then the next 5 cuts all went down hill. Same old, by the numbers psuedo/smooth jazz groves that Victor could write and play in his sleep. Some of them are downright unlistenable.



Fortunetely he finishes strong with a 9 minute funk/fusion opus that tears the house down and prevents a two star review.



Just like Marcus Miller...great bass players just can't seem to put out a product that worthy of their talent. "School Days" still remains the unchallenged apex of funk bass albums."

I agree

John Jackson | los angeles | 02/17/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I more or less agree with alot of the previous reviews.



The music is ok, the musicianship is incredible.



First 3 tunes are excellent. Omar's drum solo on song 2 is incredible. He is one of the "cleanest" drummers out there. Song 3 is probably my favorite. The outro solo by Wayne Krantz is very tasty. Most of Krantz' material floating around out there is crazy over-the-top fusion with not much melody, so it's super cool to hear him jam over something a little more ear-friendly. He would just tear it up in a funk band.



Then the album goes downhill, WAY downhill. The Jaco song is just horrible. Very smooith jazz. The tunes are pretty much lackluster from then until the scorching finale.



The fusiony Latin tune has great bass solo, great guitar riffing and then Dennis doing what only he can do.



To reiterate what a previous review said, if you're a musician you'll probably love this album (at least half of it), otherwise probably not.



Victor, how's about a funk band with you, Omar, Wayne Krantz and Herbie? Just an idea...one that I'd love to see."