Search - Hiram Bullock :: From All Sides

Classic Album

BDW | CA USA | 02/11/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A good album, and my first introduction to Hiram Bullock's solo works. A combination of funk, jazz, and rock swirled together with Hiram's unmistakable guitar tone, this album kicks off with "Window Shoppin'" - cool funk with an infectious guitar melody (a theme that runs strong through this upbeat album)- I dig this song. Although I've never been a big fan of his vocals, his rendition of "Funky Broadway" is slick. Other notables include "Cactus" and "Until I Do". Definitely a must have for any fan of Hiram, not quite the acrobatics of the Jaco Pastorius Trio Live in NY stuff, but I know I can't do without it in my CD collection."

This is the one

Axel | Los Angeles, CA | 08/31/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If this is your first Hiram purchase, look no further. This is classic and fantastic Hiram at his best.



You're much better off starting with "From All Sides" and following up with "Give It What U Got" as your second exposure to Hiram's fantastic guitar work, though, alternatively you could also select "Way Kool". It features three absolute gems ("Da Alley"; "Way Kool" and "Wolfman") and these make it worth shelling out whatever the CD goes for these days if you don't mind the other, um, somewhat filler tracks.



As a word of caution, unless (and even if) you're a die-hard fan, think twice before buying "Carrasco"; "World of Collision" and "Manny's Car Wash."



To move on to a more positive note, and get back to the topic, this album kicks off in style with "Window shopping," a very funky, groovey instrumental piece, courtesy of a great rhythm section (Charley Drayton and Will Lee), great solos (Hiram and Kenny Kirkland on piano), and a cool, relaxed but not lazy melody (if that makes sense).



A few vocal tracks are interspersed on the album, and though these are really nice, catchy songs in their own right, they pale in comparison to the hot instrumentals between which they're sandwiched.



One such track is "Say Goodnight Grace," an awesome medium-slow tempo piece featuring David Sanborn on alto (who always seems to solo better on other people's albums than on his, which attests to the quality of his guest solo).



The exception of course is "Funky Broadway" a top candidate for a Hiram anthem if there ever was one. It features Hiram as a vocalist as well as a solo duet with Michael Brecker on tenor (his usual stellar self).



I've said it before, and I can't think of another way to say it: This is classic and fantastic Hiram at his best. If you should own only one of this late great guitarist's recorded testimonials, this is the one."