A Brighter Day [Remix] - Ronny Jordan, Campbell, Joel
On his fourth recording--his first for Blue Note Records-- guitarist Ronny Jordan moves in a more mainstream direction. He minimizes the hip-hop and rap elements in his mix to favor a more subdued, straightforward jazz app... more »roach that brings to mind one of Jordan's role models, Wes Montgomery. While this may furrow the brows of some acid-jazz fans, the results heard on this 73-minute excursion are largely positive and quietly appealing. The London-born Jordan reveals himself as thoughtful and expressive player, notably on self-composed, Pat Metheny-like, pop-jazz cruisers ("Two Worlds," "Rio," "Seeing Is Believing") and in a more mainstream vein, "5/8 in Flow." For some listeners, A Brighter Day may at times stray uncomfortably close to smooth-jazz innocuousness, but Jordan's prevailing inventiveness makes the overall package a pleasant one. Highlights are the soft-but-sweet grooves found on "Aftermath" and "Mackin'," the animated playing from vibraphonist Roy Ayers on "Mystic Voyage," and the nimble finger work heard on "New Delhi." --Terry Wood« less
On his fourth recording--his first for Blue Note Records-- guitarist Ronny Jordan moves in a more mainstream direction. He minimizes the hip-hop and rap elements in his mix to favor a more subdued, straightforward jazz approach that brings to mind one of Jordan's role models, Wes Montgomery. While this may furrow the brows of some acid-jazz fans, the results heard on this 73-minute excursion are largely positive and quietly appealing. The London-born Jordan reveals himself as thoughtful and expressive player, notably on self-composed, Pat Metheny-like, pop-jazz cruisers ("Two Worlds," "Rio," "Seeing Is Believing") and in a more mainstream vein, "5/8 in Flow." For some listeners, A Brighter Day may at times stray uncomfortably close to smooth-jazz innocuousness, but Jordan's prevailing inventiveness makes the overall package a pleasant one. Highlights are the soft-but-sweet grooves found on "Aftermath" and "Mackin'," the animated playing from vibraphonist Roy Ayers on "Mystic Voyage," and the nimble finger work heard on "New Delhi." --Terry Wood
"This is a fantastic return to form for Ronny Jordan. What the reviewer above me fails to grasp is the fact that musical tastes are changing and that Ronny Jordan is merely adapting to this change. Acid jazz is dead. Look around: The Talking Loud label - the pioneers of acid jazz - are moving away from this sound and instead going for the hip-hop/R&B market; Incognito now concentrate on making albums that are Brit-funk. Ronny could not have made another acid jazz album. This is a contemporary jazz album which incorporates many strains of jazz: he is not attempting to be another George Benson like the incredibly talented, yet conservative Norman Brown. Tracks like "Aftermath" and "Mackin" are hip-hop influenced with some trip-hop thrown in for good measure. His interpretations of "Why" and "Mystic Voyage" are up to his usual high standard when dealing with covers. Towards the end of the album, Ronny tackles latin jazz with great success - "Mambo Inn" and "Rio" are excellent. Yet, amongst all this fusion of sounds, he finds the time to create "5/8 In Flow," which is pure jazz with one of the best drummers around, Jeff "Tain" Watts. This is what makes Ronny Jordan such a unique talent - few other artists are able to make the switch fusion to straight-ahead jazz with such ease. Trust me, there is no other guitarist around who is on a par with Ronny Jordan. When are Americans going to take notice of this guy. He is the true successor to Wes Montgomerey."
Welcome return to form by Ronny Jordan
Andrew Cairney | Melbourne, Australia | 03/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been a huge Ronny Jordan since the release of his classic debut "The Antidote" in 1992 and have eagerly anticipated every new recording he has produced since. This CD in a move for Ronny into new styles (latin, world, straight ahead jazz) while still retaining the beautiful tone, improvisation, sense of melody and streetwise sensibility that we have come to expect from him. The factor that makes Ronny standout from the rest of the guitarists in contemporary jazz is that he is not locked into a sound or market niche. The variety of styles is reflected in the standout Victor Feldman tune, New Delhi, featuring some excellent acoustic guitar and indian influence. I love the trio of latin tunes (Two Worlds, Mambo Inn, Rio) and the duet with Roy Ayers on Mystic Voyage. A word of warning - don't get put off by the slow start to this recording (the 1st 2 tracks A Bright Day and Aftermath are a bit uninspiring). If you're thinking of purchasing this CD, DO IT!"
Mackin Daddy
Andrew Cairney | 07/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The guy below wouldn't know a "chop" if it hit him in the head... About 3 minutes or so into Mackin' are some of the sweetest guitar chops on the planet. I live for tasty "chops", they're what jazz is all about. Take the thick, smooth brown gravy provided by the bass line in this tune, add some go-go (as distinguished from hip-hop), and mama's gonna have to pry me from the table. That's all I'm talkin 'bout."
English groove
lynell wright | U.S.A. | 04/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think english jazz has a tight,funky groove. I love R.Jordan and appreciate anything he puts out, I just wish he would tour more in the U.S.A. A BRIGHTER DAY once again pleases my driving experience along with small get togethers. Everyone who comes to my parties enjoys the UK way of grooving! Cats like R.Jordan,Chris Standring,and Courtney Pine fulfill my musical taste and can't seem to get enough. Please R.J. keep the grooves coming and I cannot wait to see you in concert. You got my vote!"
Ronny Jordan at his best!
Dominic Mann | Troy, MI USA | 08/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I appreciate Ronny Jordan's music because I can sense his growth and development as a artist with each CD. There are surprises throughout this disc and his hip-hop tinged grooves are his best to date. "Rio" is one of my favorite songs, as the hook is infectious and this song makes it clear that he has taken his acoustic guitar work to another level. Songs such as "Mackin" and "A Brighter Day" prove that he can effortlessly blend hip-hop and jazz. While the merging of these two styles has been attempted by numerous artists, very few artists, like The Roots, Ronny Jordan and Liquid Soul, have been successful in their attempts. Smooth jazz has been transformed into elevator music recently, but Ronny Jordan has proven that their are artists who can break through the boundaries of their music category. I look forward to many more brighter days from Ronny Jordan!"