Search - Marion Meadows :: In Deep

Can you say "Rare Find"

Daniel Rutkowski | Wernersville, PA USA | 12/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD by Marion Meadows was a shot in the dark for this reviewer. Having no previous exposure to this artist except a hearing of the lead track on smooth jazz radio, I decided to "pan for gold" on this CD based solely upon the samples found on this website. Wow...was I impressed! I kept thinking that this music was somewhat out of my comfort zone apart from the fact that Marion plays my favorite instruments -- saxes. It is definitely not in the sappy sweet section of the "smooth jazz" category.



Something clicked right away...infectious, different, brilliant, creative, vibrant, oh sooooo sweet. This is jazz! I was hooked, realizing I found a real gem in my search for a new artist to add to my collection.



Tales of A Gypsy -- the lead track, and a real teaser. Marion opens with a tenor sax hook and then weaves a tapestry of soul...blending tenor sax with his sultry soprano sax throughout the song. He is joined by Michael Broening on keyboards and drum programming. Normally I'm not a fan of drum programming, but it keeps this tune cruising and on target. Fast forward to the end of the disc and there you find a reprise of this tune with a coy little dance of rhythm around one play through of the main melodic theme.



Thank You -- cover of a tune made famous in my neck of the woods by Dido. Actually, the last 45 seconds or so are the best part of this song where Meadows improvises on soprano sax and the rest of the trio set up an exceptional close with a heavy bass line and Broening on keyboard.



Show Me, Show Me -- a cool tune you want to move and groove to from beginning to end.



Don't Wanna Know -- richly textured soprano sax played by Marion in counterpoint to a beguiling vocal by Will Downing about the age old "ignorance is bliss" theme as it relates to a love interest...or is it?



Treasures -- a love song through and through. One of the more interesting tunes on the album interwoven with exciting keyboard, acoustic guitar and instrumental vocal effect.



In Deep -- the title track, smooth and creative showcasing a studio mix of Marion on alto, tenor and soprano saxes against a backdrop of drum programming.



As for the "enhanced" feature of this CD, it includes a multimedia program consisting of video, artist profiles and more that you can play on a PC or Macintosh.



This album just turned out to be one of those memorable finds in a genre of great music. In your quest, I wish you all the best."

Smooth and Relaxing

augey | Chicago IL USA | 01/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I hadn't been into Marion Meadows prior to this CD. When the CD came out it was set up it in the store to sample. The soprano sax on all the tracks was so smooth and flowing, I didn't hesitate in buying it. What a GREAT find! My favorite songs are "Tales of a Gypsy", "Thank You", "Yeah Baby", "Treasures", and "Is That You". This one is worth giving a listen to."

Smoothest Marion Meadows CD so far

Beverly Praiswater | 03/23/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is Marion's most smoothest commerical CD to date. Marion's talent, however, comes to the forefront on "Don't Wanna Know". When I go to see him in concert, this is the type of sound I most enjoy because it is the real Marion Meadows. It is pure Marion Meadows displaying his finest talent. This number is pure sax soul, yet hauntingly beautiful. "Thank You" also has Marion right up front and center. "Slow Motion" is a funky treat. The two versions of Tales of a Gypsy are brilliant."