Search - Arthur Blythe :: Exhale

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Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 09/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sometime in the late twenties the acoustic bass replaced the tuba as the instrument of choice for getting bottom sounds in large and small jazz ensembles.Why?Probably because of suppleness. The acoustic bass fiddle simply came to be regarded as capable of more ryhthmic and sonic subtly than the tuba. Yet there remain a few practioners, notably Bob Stewart (featured on this release) and Marcus Rojas, who continue to brilliantly explore the possibilities of jazz tuba.This, Arthur Blythe's second consecutive recording featuring John Hicks (piano), Stewart (tuba), and Cecil Brooks III (drums), continues his Indian Summer of great releases. Once regarded as perhaps the next great altoist, signed by Columbia and majorly hyped, Blythe never really lived up to his billings. This slightly skewed format seems perfectly suited to Blythe's unique gifts--a brawny alto sax presence, a sort of rough-and-ready soloing concept, and a very attractive, almost mellowed out tone--and presents him in perhaps his optimal jazz context.Not required to live up to other people's bloated expectations, Blythe in his autumn years, with his formidable bandmates, is content just to make glorious jazz music. And we, his listeners and fans, are the happy benificiaries.Really, check this one out. Blythe at the top of his game invites informed listening."

Excellent CD!

Bright Moments | Miami, Florida USA | 05/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"ignore the last review which said "disappointing" blythe and hicks are in top form here. this is a great cd! buy with confidence."