Search - Grant Green :: Live at the Lighthouse

Will this madness ever stop?

MrAmeche | Charlottesville, VA USA | 01/10/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I'm certainly no jazz purist, and possessing nearly all of Grant Green's recordings easily admit my admiration for this inventive and intelligent guitar player. I've tried countless times to develop an interest for this album, yet I'm consistently disappointed. As far as live recordings go, "The Lighthouse" is suberb production-wise, with enough color and depth in the playing to keep the listener continually returning. But the faults of this recording weigh it down drastically. For one, Green's playing, while always lively and colorful, is for the most part awkward and poorly executed. Listen closely how he repeats himself with the same motifs and licks on nearly every track, as if he's completely drained the creative well of his guitar playing. Saxophonist Claude Bartee sounds like he's either bored out of his mind or had too many drinks at the bar before the show (check out his unfocused wailing on "Jan Jan"). Organist Shelton Laster seems to disregard the basic principles for an enjoyable and coherent solo (like the subtle nuances of dynamics), constantly pounding on the keys like a child with their first Casio. Secondly, the selections tread the same tired groove for so long it's almost a chore sitting through them (who on earth would want to hear a limp, grooveless cover of "Betcha By Golly Wow" for nearly eight minutes?). Even the brightest spot on the disc, Donald Byrd's "Facy Free," could benefit from some editing, clocking in at almost 15 minutes. Bassist Wilton Felder is unarguably the highlight of the album, and one can't help but admire his ability and patience for remarkably holding the groove down over such dull material to work with. Overall, unless you're a die-hard fan, skip this and go for "Alive," the brilliant and energetic live release from Green two years earlier."

Great album...don't listen to the naysayers

01/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I gotta say this is one of the best Grant Green funk albums you'll ever find. I saw that some reviewers said that the playing is sloppy and unfocused on this album. I don't think anything could be further from the truth!!! I own over 50 albums that feature Grant Green and I say this is definately one of his best. From a musicians standpoint, I don't think Green has ever been more inventive on an album. This is way more funky that his earlier blue note work and he uses his guitar more like a snare drum on this album. It is absolutely amazing and completely innovative. I admit that the saxaphone solos are pretty bland on this album but it's really Green who shines. Buy this album if you are even the slighest Grant Green fan...you'll not be dissapointed!"

It's funky

dusty-beats-insomniac | your Mom's house | 05/18/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Grant Green has re-introduced me to jazz music. I've always had a difficult time listening to jazz in the past because much of it sounded so similar to me. Grant Green has changed my attitude not only because I've become a more patient listener (long jazz sets tend to weigh heavy on the attention span), more so because his musical style and guitar playing are so undeniably infectious. "Live At The Lighthouse" is only six songs deep. There are some lengthy sets on this album. Three songs clock in at well over ten minutes but I'm not mentioning it to complain. The performances here are terrific. Songs like "Windjammer" and "Flood in Franklin Park" are rhythmically intense and feature some smoking guitar theatrics from Green himself. But the standout on this LP is "Fancy Free", a Donald Byrd original, beautifully interpreted by Grant Green and company. It's simply fifteen minutes of cool vibes and grooves. worthy of repeat listens."