"Blackburst is a sexy, funky-as-all-get-out album that trips on R&B, house, old-school soul, jazz, and just about everything in between. Perhaps the album's only flaw is that, when confronted by the sweet sounding trac... more »ks, you'll find yourself in a dilemna: take your clothes off and have some close-quarter fun, or keep them on and dance and sing yourself silly to these player-worthy hook-ups." - Derrell Bradford 411« less
"Blackburst is a sexy, funky-as-all-get-out album that trips on R&B, house, old-school soul, jazz, and just about everything in between. Perhaps the album's only flaw is that, when confronted by the sweet sounding tracks, you'll find yourself in a dilemna: take your clothes off and have some close-quarter fun, or keep them on and dance and sing yourself silly to these player-worthy hook-ups." - Derrell Bradford 411
CD Reviews
Essential Summer listening!
Dr.D.Treharne | Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom | 07/28/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is certainly an album for listening to on long languid nights. Recorded without the rappers that contributed to the album "the Jazzhole" it benefits from an excellent programmed drum sound, and a much tighter editing than its predecessor. The vocals mainly come from Marlon Saunders who has a distinctive soul-drenched voice. He's helped by vocals on 2 tracks from Rosa Russ and another two from Michella Deville which adds variety. Kevin Disimone who was more centrally involved on the previous album contributes vocals on track 8. The keyboards are mixed further forward on this CD, and there's sparse use of a range of other instruments. The tracks neatly merge from one to another. Favourites on this outing are "Winter Sky" which features Michella Deville, and "Never Can forget you" with Rosa Russ on vocals.However,this really is an album to play complete, rather than trying to pick out specific tracks.Use of the 'repeat' function is also recommended.A essential summer listen. Hopefully their new album, provisionally titled "Circle of the Sun", which was completed in January 2002 will be released before the end of the year, in the meantime this is one to embrace the summer with. Enjoy!"
File this under Neo-Soul, and check out 'Circle of the Sun'
Brown Sugar Babe | Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY | 06/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jazzhole's got it going on! Try this CD, you won't regret it. Great on your sexy mixed tape with D'Angelo and Maxwell, with a touch of Meshell Ndegeocello. Their newest CD, 'Circle of the Sun', is just as good, maybe even better. I honestly would have a hard time picking between them, I love them both so much. 'Blackburst' has a few more uptempo tracks, while 'Circle of the Sun' is more chilled out, with some world music influences, maybe like Bebel Gilberto meets D'Angelo... Anyway you slice it, 'Blackburst' is a sexy and mellow CD. Hard not to love it."
Billboard Review 2/5/2000 - Michael Paoletta
Brown Sugar Babe | 03/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
""The theory behind good music appears to be a pretty simple one-mix good songwriting, talented artists, and inspired production. Jazzhole founding members Marlon Saunders and Warren Rosenstein seem to understand that recipe. "Blackburst" is filled with luscious grooves and intense rhythms. "You're My Baby," featuring Rosa Russ, sets a mood as Saunders and Russ lay down sensuous riffs, perfect for late nights with that special someone. That passionate feeling continues on tracks like "Hush," where Saunders solos with very sultry results. "Winter Sky," featuring newcomer Michella Deville, is a mellow piece accented wonderfully by saxophone passages. The group increases the vibe quotient on the funk-inspired piano and guitar inflections of both "Interlude" and "Dancing In My Head." The seamless fusion of drum'n'bass and Latin music on "Interlude Two" only further piques the interest of what might have been possible had it not been just an interlude. "Blackburst" is a balanced effort that pays off in its simplicity. Fans of Sweetback, Sade, and Maxwell should give this serious consideration.""
Pure 100% acid jazz!
dOc | Atlanta, GA | 04/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have heard other CD titles that Jazzhole has released, but this one really cought my attention. Blackburst has got to be one of the best all acidjazz CD thats out. I had to add this one to my collection and it has replaced Grenique in my CD changer. The title has your late night with your honey tracks and the get up and shake your @ss tracks for all acidjazz lovers. Don't just take my word on this, ask anyone else who's a fan of acid and get there opinion on Blackburst. Good music is good music and this one is great! oNe"
What a terrific album!
G. Sawaged | Canada | 03/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one sexy album! That's about the closest I can get to describing it. The beats are hypnotic, the vocals smooth. There's a wonderful blend of male and female vocals, as well as jazzy instrumentals, and the music is truly haunting at times and I love the way that the songs blend into one another. Pillow Talk is one of my favourites on the album, although I have to say there's not one track that disappoints. This is one group that deserves wider recognition and hopefully soon they will have it. Also check out their "Circle of the Sun" album. This group is definately on my list of favourites and this album as well as the "Circle of the Sun" album get regular play in our home. I encourage anyone who loves neo-soul with a touch of jazz to check out this group. You won't be disappointed. Guaranteed!"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1