He can hold his own with anyone...
pave0011 | Mpls, MN USA | 03/20/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had the fortune to be a music student at the University of Minnesota when Mark did some teaching there. I ended up taking some lessons as I was incredibly impressed with his horn, singing and even whistling - though the man, as a person, was something else...I bought this album after taking his class because I was curious about his pro playing and was not let down. I think it's pretty rare to hear someone who so exudes the music they're performing - Mark takes whatever piece it is and totally owns it in his own way - as Freedom Jazz Dance proves.I just wish he had more albums - especially since a couple of years ago I saw him perform at Paisley Park with Prince at one of his shows late on a Saturday night. During one song, Prince and Mark traded fours, eights and sixteens for about 20 minutes. While that alone isn't earth shattering - this is...Prince was playing guitar, Mark was whistling, then scatting, then blowing his pic trumpet. Prince was at first impressed, then a little bit jealous, so he began jumping to every instrument he could find just to keep up with him! If you ever get the chance to see Mark live - do it! (Just don't talk politics or music industry with him!)"
New every time I hear it
dallas | USA | 03/13/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mark Ledford deserves to be a household name. First let's talk trumpet - his tone is ON & his phrasing is so tasty. And he raps, scats and croons like he means it. As if that weren't enough, his writing and production chops are world class. This cd is rich and lush and hip and has excellent depth of field. It has something new for me every time I hear it. Maybe this is the direction Miles would have taken, had HE not been taken. Only Miles played trumpet. Ledford does it all. Oh, and did I mention he whistles like he's from another planet? You MUST get this one. You'll be recommending it to your friends just like I do."
Give me MORE MARK
dallas | 07/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Smooth modern grooves and new twists on old favorites. Mark mixes trip hop sounds and back beats giving this albumn a distinctly modern feel. His take on Freedom Jazz Dance and original composition "the way I feel" are packed with verve and groove as unique as ledford. I give this album the highest reccomendation to anyone who loves the fusion of jazz and hiphop. I especially would like to recommend this to the modern dance community. Ledford's rythms and compositions blend beautifully with modern jazz coreography. I simply cannot say enough good things about this albumn. I can hardly wait for more takes from mark Ledford!"
