Search - James Brown :: Soul on Top

Jazz Snobbery?

Take it to the Bridge | 12/16/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I don't get the other reviewers here. Is this album somehow superior becase it's ostensibly a jazz album rather than funk or R & B? Don't get me wrong, I'm a big jazz fan, but does the presence of a BIG BAND make James more acceptable as a "real musician?" Indeed, does a big band or having primarily jazz musicians make something "jazz?" I don't think so. This is a synthesis that doesn't always work, where JB sounds great DESPITE the weighty band backing him. At other times, there's a restraint that befits a big band setting, but doesn't show off "The Pride of Atlanta's supreme talent.



I like the album for the variety, and because I simply love James Brown. He could take "Happy Birthday" out of the banal and into the funkified. But please, let's watch how we label this music. By the way, this is NOT the first time that JB released "There was a Time." Check out Disk 1 (Volume 1) of JB's "The Foundations of Funk," it's right there. Other recommendations: "Love, Peace, and Power," his increible live recording that rivals his great "Apollo" work."

J.b. collector no.1 from holland

Y. Van de Velde | funkspace | 09/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"a release on c.d. that i was waiting for for years. a one time project james brown with big band orchestra. a fine album that shows the "other" more jazzy side of the godfather of soul.

mr. brown gives classic tunes his own j.b. twist and even brings in some of his own classics. master saxman maceo parker is there to. this c.d. version has extra tracks to the original and a beautiful picture of j.b. that was not on the original vinyl release. what can a say ?? a "must have" to my opinion.



ron roelofsen (www.greatest-jamesbrown-videotradinglist.com)"