Search - Kyle Eastwood :: Paris Blue (Dig)

A mix of traditional and contemporary jazz.

futuresoul | los angeles, ca usa | 10/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kyle Eastwood could rest on the laurels of his famous last name. After all, he is the son of actor | director Clint Eastwood. But Kyle is an accomplished jazz bassist with a following all his own.



1998's From There To Here was Kyle's debut that paid respect to the jazz he was raised on. Joni Mitchell did a memorable cover of Marvin Gaye's Trouble Man. The cd gained Eastwood plenty of fans because it was an impressive effort of classic jazz.



Paris Blue is the latest release from Kyle Eastwood. He charts new territory with a mix of traditional and contemporary jazz. His roots remain in jazz but this time Kyle experiments with different flavors.



Le Pont Royal and Solferino recall early Blue Note. There's a hint of smooth jazz with the hip-bop Muse and funk-heavy Cosmo. Marrakech, inspired by a trip to Morocco, has an ambient world music vibe to it.



Father Clint makes a cameo appearance whistling on Big Noise From Winnetka, a dance floor remake of the old Bob Crosby | Bob Haggart swing hit. Clint suggested Kyle record a new version after playing him the original 78 rpm recording. The result is a hip, retro feeling tune that remains true to the original.



There are two remixes included on Paris Blue that are sure to make some jazz purists cringe. Big Noise From Winnetka is remixed into an upbeat house track. There's also an urban flavored remix of Marrakech."

Acoustically Sonorous - Rich Textural Arrangements.

David Gillis | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 09/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This guy is an excellent bassist standing on his with own two feet. If you gravitate towards modal Kind of Blue jazz with an injection of high energy, then this CD will fulfill your intellectual fancy whilst tapping your conservative toe. Beautifully recorded with a great acoustic overall tone with that 'live off the floor' sound. No slouches on this record, top self musicianship and even a tasteful yet brief cameo appearance from a whistling tough guy."

Consistently entertaining

rash67 | USA | 02/08/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The more I listen the more I like it! It is NOT contempoary Jazz if that means Jazz Lite, if it means created now then yes.



Very much based, thank goodness, on mainstream Jazz, despite a number of new tunes by the artist, in traditional modes.

Starts off with a spirited version Big Noise (and father Clint whistling) which repeats in a remixed version at the end which is even more compelling. Marrakesh is exotic, with a sensuous soprano sax like a charmed cobra and again it's a tossup whether the original or remix at the end are better.



Tunes range from funk to late night moody. Always thought provoking, never out of control. All are compelling, especially the title track.



Equalization mix on bass is humpy in upper register."