Search - Jan Hammer :: Early Years

June S. (armymansmommy) from POPLAR BLUFF, MO
Reviewed on 12/12/2008...

Amazing & wicked sounds come from this arrangement. A true instrumental enthusiast will love this CD.

Not bad in and of itself but....

Michael Kydonieus | San Francisco, CA United States | 11/04/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The bulk of this material is taken from two classic Hammer albums, Like Children (which he made with Jerry Goodman) and First Seven Days. Both are essential albums. First Seven Days may be the more consistent album, but Like Children has many brilliant and unusual songs, even if the vocals are somewhat unfortunate (jazz and fusion artists have never done very well in this area). To describe any of this material as new age is to insult it, as it has more complex ideas and thorny improvisations that 99% of what passes for serious jazz these days. It is a travesty that these two recordings are not available as separate cds. To have these two albums crushed into this paltry cd collection is unforgiveable. But if you have no other way to get this music, I suppose this cd is better than nothing (sigh). 7/20/2004 update: First Seven Days is now available on cd, so snap it up while it's still in print! If you would like to read more reviews like this, check out JazzboNotes.com.

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The Master Of The Keys

Paul A. Fucito | Washington, DC | 08/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Following the success of Hammer's music in Miami Vice, this collection of his early works was released (all for the first time on CD). The sound is a combination of fusion, jazz, funk and early new age. For fans of Jean Luc Ponty, Vangellis and the early instrumentals of Level 42, this is would be a great album to add to your list. Of course, if you like Hammer's early work, this is a perfect compilation. Great early synth sounds, violin and exotic percussion provide a unique atmosphere of music."