Doc's Jazz Music Reviews

This new release from the Roy Hargrove Quintet is a big winner. Be prepared to be swept off your feet by the wonderful sounds off of this album. I give it five stars out of five. It is good!

Product Details

Audio CD (July 29, 2008)

Original Release Date: June 2, 2008

Number of Discs: 1 Label: Emarcy

1. I'm Not So Sure 5:49

2. Brown 4:29

3. Strasbourg / St. Denis 4:38

4. Starmaker 7:55

5. Joy Is Sorrow Unmasked 4:47

6. The Stinger 4:56

7. Rouge 2:46

8. Mr.Clean 5:51

9. Style 6:34

10.Divine 5:08

11.To Wisdom The Prize 5:42

12.Speak Low 5:18

13.Bring It On Home To Me 3:01

14.Yemenja

About the Artist

Discovered by Wynton Marsalis, Hargrove made his solo debut in 1990 on Novus/RCA; he made his Verve Records debut in 1994 and had recorded eight albums for the venerable label, including 2006's double release, Distractions featuring the contemporary funk/jazz sounds of the RH Factor, and Nothing Serious, featuring straight ahead jazz by the Roy Hargrove Quintet with special guest Slide Hampton. Roy has collaborated recorded and collaborated with wide range of musicians, from Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, and Michael Brecker, to Diana Ross, Diana Krall, and Kenny Rankin; from John Mayer, D'Angelo, and Erykah Badu, to Common and Gilles Peterson.

Product Description

"This recording was made to bring sonic pleasure to the listener," says trumpeter/bandleader Roy Hargrove about his sublime new album, Earfood, his debut Groovin' High/Emarcy Records. "Simple melodies moving around luscious chords allow [my working quintet] to capture attention and give a feeling of transcendence." Nicknaming the album Sound Nutrition, Hargrove delivers a 13-song collection of nutritious post-bop jazz that includes seven of his originals and six covers that range from the upbeat Cedar Walton crowd-pleaser "I'm Not So Sure" that opens the CD to the New Orleans-styled endsong, Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home to Me." "This is my favorite way to play," says Hargrove, who, at 38, is one of a handful of jazz artists of his generation who have deservedly attained critical and commercial star status. "I like playing music that's considered classic jazz, especially now when it's hard to find musicians who deal with the jazz tradition. So many people are playing the `new and improved' jazz, which alienates a lot of the audience. I'm not afraid to play the blues and soul, and I like to try to be innovative. But I prefer the standards sound. If you get too far from that, what's the point?"

Five HUGE Stars!! Jazz music flourishes in the hands of double Grammy-winner Roy Hargrove: hands holding both his flaming trumpet & flugelhorn and his brilliantly arranged themes and compositions. Roy Hargrove continues to showcase his brilliant trumpet virtuosity, open and muted, both of which escape the spell of Miles. This is one of the most approachable and enjoyable CDs of the year: carrying a definite Blue Note 1960's tinge at times (which is to say-timeless) and at other times just plain great modern Hargrove music. Mr Hargrove is assisted by a highly talented group of musicians which includes: Justin Robinson on alto/tenor sax and flute, Gerald Clayton on piano, Danton Boller on bass, and Montez Coleman on drums, all of whom solo brilliantly and interplay in a highly empathetic way. The rhythm section is particularly impressive as are Messrs. Clayton and Robinson, individually. Roy's goal was to produce enjoyable, engaging, unpretentious music and he succeeded on all levels!!

The 'best of the best' begins with Cedar Walton's marvelous "I'm Not So Sure" with Roy blowing hot liquid notes in a great solo and his band-mates likewise soloing assuredly in a song cast with a gospel/funk glow. "Joy Is Sorrow Unmasked" is pure jazz beauty, voiced to perfection and soloed wonderfully. "Rouge" is wonderful unison playing all the way through, somewhat in the area code of Charles Mingus' "Self-Portrait in Three Colors", but still individualistic, and "Divine" has Roy in solo ballad mode on flugelhorn. "The Stinger" is a multi-tiered delight, with Justin Robinson getting off a great solo, showing some Cannonball influences. The funky playful "Strasbourg/St. Denis" has a laid-back beat and superb solos that emulate a bright sunny day and which stay in the mind for days. "Brown" is pushed along by Montez Coleman's rimshots and beautiful unison muted trumpet and sax. In all, a great jazz CD of 14 songs that is one of the best of 2008, so far. Bravo, Roy Hargrove!! My Highest Recommendation. Five Big Stars (This review is based on an iTunes digital download. Trivia: Roy Hargrove was 'discovered' by trumpet master Wynton Marsalis.)

RBS Productions

I have listened to Roy Hargrove's work for years. Early, he had great tone and feeling for the music. However the last few albums seemed too experimental and noisy for my tastes. On his latest he has returned to a more lyrical and melodic approach and I think this is a great improvement.

His slower lyrical ballads stand out, whether we are talking about standards like "Speak Low" or some of his original ballads, like "Joy is Sorrow Unmasked" and "Divine" all are played with a lot of feeling.

There was a particular sound to Blue Note jazz in the late 50's to early 60's. Hank Mobley in particular and Lee Morgan sometimes had this breezy moderate tempo sound that seemed, to me at least, full of optimism. Like Mobley's work with The Jazz Messengers, maybe "Nica's Dream" or "Ecaroh". (That type of song disappeared in the turmoil of the late 60's, but that's another story). Anyway that sound, that groove, is here in a number of songs like "Wisdom to the Prize". Again, welcome!

Most of the album is tuneful and lyrical and relaxed, like the music not of a young turk, but of a master. Earfood, and a nurishing meal! Recommended. Rash 67

Family - Roy Hargrove

I know, I know - you have heard this before - but this is one of my favorite albums. Every song on this album is a masterpiece. I put this on sometimes while I am working at the computer and it plays for hours. Do yourself a favor and add this to your collection - you will not be sorry. Roy Hargrove is an exceptional talent, the arrangements are equisite and timeless.

_____

Roy Hargrove is a young musician with incredible potential, mostly because he has paid attention to the quality of his sound. If the first note doesn't sound good it doesn't matter how many follow.

With his sweet golden sound, he follows the Cool Jazz major figures Miles Davis, Chet Baker, and Stan Getz. Of these, his sound is most like Chet Baker, but perhaps with better technique. This CD a combination of Jazz standards and new and lesser known works, is his most engaging pure jazz album to date. He has a number of better know names sitting in.

When I say this CD is timeless, but could have been recorded at the height of the Cool, in the 50's or 60's, that a high compliment. 4 stars for a warm user-friendly album, the best he has done to date with a Jazz combo. Rash 67

The velvety sound of this singular interpreter makes of his album a gratifying experience in the truest sense of the term. Hargrove' s arrangements are based on classic patterns of the Fifties. Surrounded by a warmth environment with eloquent sensuality and sophisticated rapture. A corker album. Hiram Gomez Pardo

Product DetailsAudio CD (June 20, 1995)

Original Release Date: June 20, 1995

Number of Discs: 1 Label: Polygram Records

1. Velera 2:22

2. Roy Allan 3:48

3. Brian's Bounce 4:56

4. The Nearness Of You 7:03

5. Lament For Love 4:01

6. Another Level 6:23

7. A Dream Of You 6:11

8. Pas De Trois 8:39

9. Polka Dots And Moonbeams 5:36

10.The Challenge 3:46

11.Ethiopia 3:36

12.Nostalgia 6:00

13.Thirteenth Floor 5:57

14.Firm Roots 6:51

15.The Trial