DEEP ROOTED - DEEP ROOTED
Deep Rooted "Deep Rooted" Album Review
An original
This is one of hte most interesting releases on the Smalls label, though it's also one of the most "difficult". Ned Goold is a saxophonist with a highly original approach--he's a big fan of Monk, & he has a curious angular style that can suggest an unlikely cross between Charlie Rouse & Warne Marsh, with some truly earbending note choices & a fondness for phrases that rise up sharply (whereas most players tend to follow the path of least resistance down the cycle of fifths). He has worked out a harmonic system for himself that allows him to overlay 12-tone patterns over standard changes--on Goold's recent visit to Toronto I got him to say a little about it, which I found fascinating. In short, it's challenging music, not least because he writes oblique tunes (why am I not surprised that one of them is an allusion to _Ulysses_?--"Whatness of Allhorse") & likes to perform them in an unadorned tenor/bass/drums situation (here, Ben Wolfe & Ron Steen) that requires you to listen hard to follow along. Even his choice of "standards" is offbeat: how often do you hear "Heigh Ho the Gang's All Here" or "Rosalie" on a setlist? He makes his bread & butter playing with Harry Connick's band, but his own music is about as far from Connick's retro-stylings as you can imagine. Three cheers for Connick, then, for giving him an unusual opportunity on the 1999 tour that led to this album: Goold's trio was the warm-up act for the Connick band during that tour, & this CD is a compilation of the results (originally just put together for Goold's own satisfaction, but when he played it for Smalls labelowner Luke Kaven, Kaven decided to release it commercially). It's genuinely bizarre to hear such uncompromising jazz performed in front of thousands of people--on a few tracks the audience talks noisily throughout, but on others they seem to be listening quite respectfully or with enthusiasm. Considering the fact that there recordings weren't originally made for release, the sound is pretty good, & if you love the sound of the great Sonny Rollins trios or Konitz's _Motion_ this CD will likely hit you in the sweet spot. & you should also check out Neal Caine's _Backstabber's Ball_, which features the twin tenors of Goold & Stephen Riley.
Video DEEP ROOTED - The Problem?
Hip Hop Music video made from real clips and images. Showing the corruption in the world over money, greed and the "evil that turns inside of our souls ". The same problem ever since the begginning of man. Shows Iraq footage, bombing and material world that makes our ego's tick!!!?? the message of many before...Lennon, Ghandi, Martin Luther, Tupac etc...
PUBLIC ENEMY - POWER TO THE PEOPLE AND THE BEATS
Public Enemy "Power to the People and the Beats" Album Review
Strangely disappointing sound production quality
Let me begin by saying I am a huge Public Enemy fan who was expecting to absolutely love this CD. Yet, I found one flaw was very disappointing: The CD sound has a strange tinny quality in several of the songs. Something is just off. The music doesn't sound as compelling with this small, but noticable change.
I have absolutely no rational explanation for why someone would change the sound mix from what worked in the original recordings. I don't know if it was done intentionally or on accident, but clearly, something has been changed just slightly in several of the recordings. "Fight the Power" is the most notable example.
I feel sad, like someone drew a moustache on the Mona Lisa or chipped off the nose of George Washington's face on Mount Rushmore. Why would someone mess with perfection?
Video Power To The People And The Beats Volume #1
You're Gonna Get Yours Public Enemy #1 No vid, just plain old school
PRAS MICHEL - WIN LOSE OR DRAW
PRAS Michel "Win Lose or Draw" Album Review
Pras Could Try Later
I Bought the album feeling Pras deserved a couple bucks since he really hasn't been active in the industry for a couple years. I was even a little hyped up when I grabbed it hopeing for some ole skwel Fugees type of joints or something.
To be blunt, the album is below average especially for the artists who collaborated.
A few beats are decent like "Friend or Foe" "One Monkey Don't Stop the Show" & "Angels Song", but the rest I couldn't listen to.
Unfortunatly Pras is a rapper. Great tone of voice, but poor lyrics.
You can tell the writting and vocal production was rushed throughout the album.
I was disappointed. But the 3 beats I feel give hope. He should work on another album to redeem this unorganized album.
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