White's power drumming, versatility, create good vibes!
11/12/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In this age of synthesized music, it's refreshing to hear musicians who actually lay down their tracks the old-fashioned way! Michael White is an accomplished drummer (many years with Maze) whose upbeat style is akin to Billy Cobham, and "So Far Away" offers a variety of jazzy, toe-tapping tunes that leave you with the feeling that everything's gonna be O.K. White is surrounded by an all-star cast of musicians, including Everette Harp, Gerald Albright, Eric Gale, Brian Simpson and even a vocal effort by Phil Perry. "Late Night" is a funky tune that features a smooth piano lead by Simpson. White's rendition of Marvin Gaye's "I Want You" is a free-wheeling jaunt highlighted by an energetic Albright on alto sax. This reporter's favorite two cuts are "Let's Stay Together", which really demonstrates how a great drummer can carry a great song, and "Round Midnight", the haunting Thelonius Monk classic. If you like contemporary jazz you will thoroughly enjoy this album!!"