Search - Bob Belden :: Tapestry

Used to Be So Easy Living Here With You

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 11/02/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Bob Belden's jazz reinvention of Carole King's classic "Tapestry" album is of interest to both Carole King fans and jazz buffs. Belden's freeflowing interpretations work well with these familiar melodies. "I Feel the Earth Move," one of King's most upbeat joyful tunes, transmutes into a churning romantic track with John Hart's liquid guitar draping the melody. Beldon's soprano sax takes center stage on "So Far Away" that seems to lose some steam from the sentimental pop treatment and moves into a swaying mood piece. The band has some deconstructionist tendencies on the familiar "It's Too Late" as Tim Hagans' trumpet interplays with Belden's soprano sax. The band allows itself a wide latitude on "Beautiful" with Scott Kinsey's atmospheric organ. Belden's approach works well on "You've Got a Friend" with Kevin Hay's electric piano communicating energetically as the centerpiece around which the band stretches the arrangement. The 6 & 1/2 minute "Smackwater Jack" builds joyfully with Billy Kilson's drums stirring the pot. The 12 minute "Natural Woman" blows and pops in numerous directions and is great fun. Belden's "Tapestry" is a great experiment. Sometimes it works incredibly well. At other times it gets a bit too loose to be moving. All in all, it's an enjoyable departure through which to enjoy this landmark set. Enjoy!"