Search - Stanley Turrentine :: Don't Mess With Mr T

Another very welcome Turrentine reissue!

Dr.D.Treharne | Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom | 11/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's a strange sensation to find that a slew of classic CTI albums have been remastered and reissued ahead of getting an American re-release. So the initial question has to be "is it worth the extra money to buy this import?" to which the emphatic answer has to be a resounding "YES!"This 1973 recorded album was worth its price in its original form, but the three previously unreleased tracks make it an essential purchase. Firstly, it's aged very well, partly because unlike some 70's albums which feature electric piano, in the hands of Bob James(1,3,4,6,8)and Harold Mabern (2,3,5) the playing is well handled, and where it meshes with Richard Tee's organ it's superb.Eric Gale provided sympathetic guitar fills, and he sits well back with Ron Carter(bass) and drummers Idris Muhammed and Billy Cobham (on the extra tracks).Turrentine provides a sinewy Tenor Sax across the whole range of material.Favourites are both versions of Marvin Gaye's title track ( the first clocks in at 9.48 the second at 7.10), "Two for T" written by Turrentine,and Bob James "Harlem Dawn". However there isn't a duff track on the CD. "I could never repay your love" has nagging echoes of another theme I haven't managed to place yet!If you're a fan of Turrentine, and want to hear him at the height of his playing power, with a sympathetic and supporting band this album is a must!"

Great Slow Burn

Chris | Australia | 07/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For me, this was immediately much more accessible than the more famous "Sugar" Album. This is most likely because this is arguably more commercial, but what a fantastic sound. I own the Trouble Man soundtrack from which the title track of this CD is drawn and it is a brilliant slow burn. This album is similar. Put it on and sit back for an evening of smooth relaxing listening. For more focussed listening you can tune in on the expertise of the great musicians whose greatness is in their subtlety. This is one CD that I know I'll be listening too for many years to come and so its money well spent."

I have a soft spot for this one..even though...

douglasnegley | Pittsburgh, Pa. United States | 10/06/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I know this is "Creed Taylor-ized" Turrentine; meaning a rather formula-like session and sound, arrangements, etc. Stanley, though, really sinks his 'new sound' teeth into this one. The playing is funky, and both Bob James and Eric Gale catch the groove and roll well with it. Idris Muhammed drums perfectly. The title track finds Stanley with that new sound (and way of playing) biting perfectly through the good arrangement - especially the bridge, where the arrangement never overpowers - and Bob James comping and rolling over the strings. "I Could Never Repay Your Love" is a superb tune with great changes and resolves, and Eric Gale gets to stretch on it along with Stanley. In many ways, this recording COULD have been the definitive "smooth jazz" formula. Unfortunately, that monniker was, and still is, abused to describe music that has no business being called Jazz at all. This is a great recording under any heading - just don't expect '50s or '60s Turrentine. This was recorded in 1973, and was one of the few genres of jazz during that rough period for jazz that 'made it'. Much like "Sugar"; but I feel this one is actually better. I hope it is rediscovered a bit more."