The new 2007 release from this storied contemporary jazz guitarist and composer contains 11 new recordings including a stunning version of Pat Metheny's classic "Lakes". This is not an assemblage of numerous musicians ... more »and multiple producers working on a patchwork of songs. It's six seasoned and totally individualistic musicians who came in and played their hearts out and did it in the studio face-to-face. Jay Rowe (keyboards), Gary Grainger (bass), Andre "Blues" Webb (drums), Kevin Prince (percussion), and Rob Holmes (sax) play together with Navarro's guitar so seamlessly it just flows with tangible energy. If too much processed music has left you desensitized it's like that first breath of fresh air after too much time in a stuffy room. There was a point in time when the music that was to become smooth jazz split into two separate streams, one thrived while the other almost dried up. Creating a Meeting Place where these streams intersect again was a brave and spirited thing to do. Taking it off the backburner and serving it up is a gift to the people who will hear it. A gift that will make it a little bit harder to settle for less.« less
The new 2007 release from this storied contemporary jazz guitarist and composer contains 11 new recordings including a stunning version of Pat Metheny's classic "Lakes". This is not an assemblage of numerous musicians and multiple producers working on a patchwork of songs. It's six seasoned and totally individualistic musicians who came in and played their hearts out and did it in the studio face-to-face. Jay Rowe (keyboards), Gary Grainger (bass), Andre "Blues" Webb (drums), Kevin Prince (percussion), and Rob Holmes (sax) play together with Navarro's guitar so seamlessly it just flows with tangible energy. If too much processed music has left you desensitized it's like that first breath of fresh air after too much time in a stuffy room. There was a point in time when the music that was to become smooth jazz split into two separate streams, one thrived while the other almost dried up. Creating a Meeting Place where these streams intersect again was a brave and spirited thing to do. Taking it off the backburner and serving it up is a gift to the people who will hear it. A gift that will make it a little bit harder to settle for less.
CD Reviews
Smoothjazz.com Review
Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 01/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ken Navarro's 17th CD should be the benchmark for what Smooth Jazz can become moving forward from here. I see it this way: Smooth Jazz is at a crossroads. It can continue to move in the direction of audio wallpaper or simply an instrumental Top 40 format, or it can once again embrace those qualities that made it so exciting in the first place... qualities that make music compelling and memorable. THE MEETING PLACE is a template for the latter approach... the road I'd like to see taken. The compositions are accessible but complex enough to be interesting, the musicianship is outrageously good, all the tunes have that unmistakable Ken Navarro signature, and the overall "feel" of this disc is incredibly uplifting. There are 11 tracks here, ten of them written or co-written by Ken, and one "cover," an exquisite read on the rare Pat Metheny song, "Lakes." This is just an outstanding album on so many levels. Ken embraces elements of fusion, and takes chances with aggressive electric Santana-inspired solos on tunes like "Did You Hear That?" and "The Challenge." All the music here emphasizes real musician interaction, with amazing performances from Jay Rowe on keys, Rob Holmes on sax, bass man Garry Grainger, Andre "Blues" Webb on drums, and Kevin Prince on percussion. The whole project sparkles with that Ken Navarro innovation that shows him to clearly be a savvy creator who expertly utilizes today's technologies. THE MEETING PLACE is an absolute must for your collection, no question about it! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN"
Never judge an album by the one that came before it
Mike | San Jose, CA | 05/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hearing Ken wail on electric guitar on the closing track, "The Challenge," was quite a surprise. His trademark nylon six-string work is also present throughout the album, but the energy level is several steps up from its predecessor, the somewhat lifeless "Love Colored Soul." He's always had a gift for melody, and his virtuosity has never come into question. He just seems much more inspired and passionate on "The Meeting Place." It's his first album in a while that's flowed and functioned as an album (rather than a source to cherry-pick mix CD or iPod tracks from). My knowledge of Ken's career only goes as deep as this CD and the three that came before it, but I think it's safe to say that if you purchase it based on liking this kind of music and reading the different reviews here, you will not be disappointed. For future albums I'd like to see Ken continue to pursue the sonic diversity found on "The Meeting Place." This was an unexpected treat. Thanks, Ken."
A refreshing CD from one of the best!
H. Northrup | Satellite Beach, FL USA | 03/27/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Meeting Place is one of those CDs that you'll instantly find yourself telling others to buy. It's not just another new smooth jazz CD, but a highly successful experiment in musical creativity and musicianship. From Ken's use of the electric guitar that complements his smooth nylon string guitar to Jay Rowe's mix of keyboard instrument sounds to Rob Holmes' melodic sax, the result is a refreshing sound that today's smooth jazz artists rarely attempt. In fact, in order to find electric & nylon string guitars together with the variety of keyboard sounds that Jay adds, along with some nice smooth sax, you'll have to go back in time to some older Rippingtons music, when the keyboard was still a "key" player on the musical team.
Don't wait to add this CD to your collection...or you'll end up having others telling YOU to buy it!"
OUTSTANDING!!
Bernard Stewart | Muncie, Indiana USA | 05/10/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Album/Cd is one of his best works thus far.
I've met Ken back in Detroit at a Jazz Fest. I have alway heard of
his music. But then to see and hear the sounds that this man was putting out knocked me off my feet and I'm hooked. This Cd is one to have it's worth it's waight in gold. EVERY SONG!!!!"
Inspiring, arresting and rewarding album, one of the top ten
"Ken Navarro has achieved until this date, his masterwork with this peculiar album, gifted of an irresistible interpretative freshness, fabulous arrangements and visible inspiration. His version of Pat Metheny' s lakes is out of this world.
But track by track, the album is overwhelming. Of course there are highlights. I would bet for The challenge as the most complete and moving, but Lucky, Did you hear that, Language of peace and This time of evening re first-rate pieces.
I would affirm without any fear to get wrong myself this album must be included among the top ten smooth jazz works in this year.
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1