Search - Jeff Lorber :: Flipside

The Master Returns

Gary Starr | REDDITCH, Worcs United Kingdom | 02/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Picture the scene - it's a cold, wet and windy day here in the UK and I'm really down. There's a knock at the door... UPS delivery and this Masterpiece arrives. I've had this pre-ordered for 2 months now and counted the days off - well let me tell you it was worth waiting for...

The usual Lorber crew are all here - Co-production by Steven Dubin, Lenny Castro on percussion, John Roberts on drums, Alex Al on bass (only 2 tracks though,) Gary Meek on flute and saxes. You also get appearances from David Mann, Paul Jackson, JR & Robbie Nevill. New name to me Nelson Jackson also features on keys and songwriting duties. That's where the usual stops because this CD is just so superior to anything that has gone before....

You get 10 tracks of pure genius, the instrumentation and clarity of production is out of this world. This CD isn't as immediate as Jeff's previous outings and that's a good thing in my opinion because you are forced to listen and that's when you discover the magic.......

We start off with the current single "Ooh La La" which is a midtempo showcase for Lorber and Castro's great percussive sound.

Next the uptempo "Everybody Knows That" - really heavy bass sound and nice sax/piano combination on the chorus section.

"By my side" is fast becoming my favourite track - its just a beautiful song along the lines of "When she smiles" (Philly Style) and features Cello fills which make the tune.

"Flipside" is a remake? of "Uncle Darrows" (Philly Style) but with a real funky bass line and 70s sounding horn section

"Santa Monica Triangle" - has a skipping, almost Ska like beat with Lorber playing rhodes over it. Great guitar and rhodes combination in places.

"Sun Ra" is a reggae inspired tune which is again heavy on the bass and a real joyful driving song

"Angel in Paris" is slow to mid tempo and features that Cello again with subtle trumpet from Ron King - beautiful.

"Bombay Cafe" is another mid tempo workout featuring Meek & Mann on Saxes. Great trumpet also combining superbly with Lorber's piano.

"Tune 88" is a remake of the old classic but done in a very accoustic style - only Lorber on piano with Alex Al and Castro completing the line up. It's almost like a studio after hours jam and is a real departure from the furious tempo of the much sampled original tune.

"Enchanted Way" closes the set and is a 70s influenced piece of Jazz Funk - Meek & Mann on saxes.



Need I say anymore? - Lorber has raised the bar and set the standard again for the rest of the Jazz field to follow. I can't see this CD being bettered by anyone for some time."

Awsome - Fresh - Imaginative

M. Christianson | Colorado | 02/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is so funky, rare and fresh. It's my first Jeff Lorber CD although I've been listening to Jazz since I was 13. The music in this collection is new, light, and simply carries you into an alternate universe of joy and light hearted funk. What an amazing addition to anyone's listening experience. I siimply love it!!"

Jeff Has Done It Again

SAXMAN121 | Corpus Christi, TX USA | 02/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jeff Lorber has done it again with the release of "Flipside". Every track on the CD is made for highway or city driving and it gets you into the groove. The instrumentation on this CD is superb as well. Track 2 (Everybody Knows That) and Track 8 (Bombay Cafe) are the tracks that really stand out! This whole CD is a work of art. Mr. Lorber keep up to good work!"