Search - Yusef Lateef :: Into Something

Into Something......Good!

Steven Crichley | Pittsburgh, PA | 07/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On 'Into Something' the not very well known Yusef Lateef proves why, at least during the first half of his long career, he was a monster in control of multiple instruments and styles, intermixed at his command. On this set he covers three standards and four originals and gives us a taste of his diversity and virtuosity. Opening with 'Rasheed', an eerie, eastern sounding, blues-drenched tune effectively played on oboe that floats you far above the pedestrian. 'When You're Smiling' gears down to a near somniferous pace with just enough honking to make you smile. 'Water Pistol' is a harder-edged original that's loaded with more than the title describes. Then a switch to a touch of the romantic with the beautiful, fluid, full-toned tenor on 'You've Changed'. Yusef switches to flute on 'I'll Remember April' and shows a unique style and total command of the woodwind - with some spry runs. He finishes up with two more originals in classic hard bop style, 'Koko's Tune and 'P Bouk', both solid. Barry Harris is on Piano on four songs, Herman Wright on bass and the giant, Elvin Jones on drums, who gets some short stretches to showcase his mastery - a classic rhythm section. If you're not familiar with Lateef this is a great place to start. The man is an underappreciated master. So if you are a jazz fan of the true classic era (50's and 60's) you owe it to youself to hear this. His cd 'Eastern Sounds' is also highly recommended among others."

Yusef is Original and it's real Jazz, Don't miss this

Gary J. Chenett | michigan | 12/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first hear Yusef when I was in high school. I loved his music then, of course I was one of a few who was totally into Jazz and Blues,

I found him as I was reading yahoo for unique music here on Yahoo,

He is a artists of many talents, he may not be well known by many but put him on and let the disc spin and you will have some sweet sounds and originals that I am sure you will enjoy as I have for years.

This is jazz, and it is good old Jazz,

Makes my day when I drop his CD onto my player."