Search - Sharp Nine Class of 2001 :: On the Loose

JAZZ IS ALIVE AND WELL

R Chico Martin | Carrolton, Tx USA | 10/30/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As a Jazz devotee over fifty years of age I can not keep up with the new artists and do not really know who is good and who are pretenders. I saw this CD advertised in Down Beat magazine and since it had a picture of young men between the ages of 22 and 25 I thought I would risk trying it.
It was the best decision I have made lately. These young men are unbelievable! They play so well together they seem like one big musician playing all the instruments. They have chops only heard on the older guys from the be bop era. I kept yelling out loud when I heard each solo on each song. I felt joy and excitement only experienced when I listen to early Bird, Diz, Miles, and Coltrane. They have their own voices but they have taken the time to learn the music, the changes, and their instruments. I was truly blown away. If you love straight ahead Jazz and you don't like this CD I will turn in my card as a true Jazz lover!
I hope to see more from these young giants. I could not find any information on how they came to be togeter or any reviews from people who really know how to critique music. Too bad.
I only gave this four stars because I don't give five. That is perfection and I have only done that once. The Bird and Dizz album (not available on CD) called "The Greatest Jazz Concert Ever" which was their date in Canada the night of the Joe Lewis, Max Schmeling title fight.
Enjoy!"