Search - John [Composer] Adams :: John Adams: Hoodoo Zephyr

Not classical music, but I like it

Colin R. Glassey | Bay Area, CA USA | 04/01/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First, what this is not: Its not "classical music", no symphony, no string quartet. Nope, its just Mr. Adams and his trusty bank of synths. It also is not "rock" or "jazz" or any other handy term. It is closest to the experimental music of Brian Eno (think Before and After Science without the singing) or the "fusion/jazz" compositions of Pat Metheny post 1990 (especially Imaginary Day).Some pieces I think are a lot of fun to listen to (Tourist Song, Cerulean, Coast). Other pieces I found really hard to listen to and undestand but I've found that over the years, I've learned to appreciate them, even the very odd music of Disappointment Lake and Bump (yikes!).This record suggests what Mr. Adams might accomplish were he to turn his attention more seriously towards "popular" music. I, for one, like this music better than "Gnarly Buttons" (for example)."

Noodles are good for the soul (if a bit thick on the gut)

Andrew Hansen | Chicago, IL USA | 03/13/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Among the several things to admire about John Adams, the most fun is his ability to annoy the sentiments of those who expect music to be a prestigious invitation only social club. On one occasion after being asked to perform at the keyboard yet again for the amusement of the upwardly mobile, Beethoven is reported to have sat at the instrument and pounded the keys with the flats of his hands. While not as beligerent, music from John Adams of the type on "Hoodoo Zepher" is probably in a similar vein - a momentary reprieve from the stress of expectation with something like a raspberry thrown in for good measure.It is silly to dismiss this as not being as accomplished as the rest of the man's work. Of course it isn't. It's fun and what's wrong with that? John Adam's home baked noodles are infinitely more interesting than much of the (no doubt) tirelessly crafted and thorougly forgettable material being passed off as "serious" art of "passion" and "depth" at every turn. "Passion" and "Depth" are over rated and their status as the ultimate litmus test of a work's value is becoming tedious. "Hoodoo Zephyr" is about constant development, whereas much of what is classified "New Age" is about harmonic and melodic stasis. This album is best enjoyed when listened to for the sake of the journey without agonizing over where it is or isn't taking you.(My apologies to Mr. Adams if I have misrepresented his intentions.)"

Simply Fantastic!!!

TomsongsUK | United Kingdom | 01/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album has it all for those who enjoy minimalistic or electronica styles of music. It contains the classic orchestral techniques of earlier works like Harmonielehre etc. mentioned by others here, but is also relevant to the leading styles of trance music today. It paints broad aural landscapes to transport the listener to a journey of electronic heaven. It must be mentioned that the production of the album by John Adams himself is of the highest calibre and every detail is catered for. Simply fantastic!"