Search - Theo Bleckmann :: Origami

A Unique Jazz Vocal Album

J. Rich | 10/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What can I say I'm a huge Ben Monder fan. That's really why I bought this album. No offense to Theo at all, but Ben Monder always brings something truly original to a session in terms of music. His knowledge of harmony and his overal single-note/chord choices have always inspired me to pick up a guitar.



Having said that, this is a Theo Bleckmann album. His presence is also one that is hard not to recognize. Anyone who's heard Theo's voice can spot it in 2 seconds, which is saying alot. I was greatly surprised by this album. It has some very beautiful songs on here. It's definitely a different take on jazz vocals. Theo's range is something that always amazes me. There are many things that make this music great. It's complex, but Bleckmann, like Monder, makes the most complex things sound simple and actually are accessible to the ear that is if you're into and play jazz music. I wouldn't expect someone who's been listening to rock music all their life to like something like this. If you're not very intelligent then you won't understand this kind of music at all.



Also of mention are the other musicians on this album which include the following:



Matt Moran - vibraphone

Skuli Sverrisson - electric bass (Skuli is also on Monder's albums "Excavation" and "Oceana")

John Hollenbeck - drums, percussion, melodica



This album is worth checking out for fans of any of these great musicians."