Search - Don Sebeski :: Giant Box 2in1

I had to post this review to counter the previous one

Mike J | Central Coast, CA United States | 02/14/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a deejay/producer and do not post reviews of jazz albums as I do not believe I have a deep enough education of jazz' roots to be qualified to post an informed review. That being said, I felt the need to post this review in light of the negative review of this album that has been posted. I do not own this album on cd but on the original vinyl that it was issued on so I can not speak to the overall quality of this re-issue.



What I can speak on is the actual music, (and a little bit of background information), myself. Don Sebesky was an arranger for the ultra-hip and influential CTI label. CTI was a powerhouse of quality urban styled jazz/jazz fusion in the late 60's through the early 80's. This double album was released in the early 70's, ('71 I think but I'd have to check), and is indicative of the sound of that era as a result. It SHOULD NOT be compared with more recent recordings bearing Mr. Sebsky's name. I am unfamiliar with his tribute albums and would discourage anyone from trying to buy those albums based on this one, (or vice versa).



The Giant Box was originally released on double vinyl in an actual gate-fold style box, (hence the name). The music on it is similar in style to the late 60's/early 70's work of David Axelrod or Bob James early solo albums. If you like Mr. Axelrod's work on his first solo albums up to and including Earth Rot and his work with David McCallum, this album may be for you. If you like Mr. James' One, Two or Three, this album may be for you as well. While it does not have Mr. Axelrod's driving bass, (courtesy of Carol Kaye), or Mr. James' groove, it does have other similar elements. Most of the album is very dark, brooding, experimental, and has a clear classical influence.



In addition, the music well represents that what would be come labeled as jazz fusion and included many well known artists including Bob James, Billy Cobham, Freddie Hubbard, Grover Washington, Jr., George Benson, Milt Jackson, Hubert Laws, Joe Farrell, Ron Carter, and Paul Desmond. While I would not say it is any of these artists "best work" it is a reflection of the arrangement potential of Mr. Sebsky. If you are a fan of any of these artists, you may also wish to check Giant Box out.



On a side note, reviewers, please be responsible when you are reviewing a product. If you don't have background on a product, don't understand it, or bought the wrong product for yourself, don't let the review suffer because of your oversight. Your poor decision and review may result in someone missing out on something they would really enjoy or, worse still, cause the persons involved in the sale of the product, (amazon included), to lose income."