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Ear Food
Participated by The Roy Hargrove Quintet
Studio : Emarcy
by Emarcy
Release Date : 2008-07-29
Publisher : Emarcy
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
EAN : 0602517641815
UPC : 602517641815
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 10 reviews)
List Price : $14.98
Our Price : $9.79
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Album Description |
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"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?" |
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My favourite jazz CD of this year |
As soon as I heard the first few bars of the first track on this CD, I knew I was going to love it. I've been a fan of trumpeter Roy Hargrove's for some time now and while this is a very different from the last album of his I bought (2003's hip-hop influenced The RH Factor: Hard Groove), it has that beautifully delicious blend that I adore when it comes to modern jazz; great songs played by quality musicians, putting in quality performances, without trying to be too clever or excessively complicated. These guys don't give the impression of wanting to talk down to the target audience - whether deliberately or inadvertently. (And yes, Mr Redman, I'm talking to you).
The album sounds like it was a lot of fun to make. It's definitely a lot of fun to listen to and you don't need a degree in music to enjoy it. Indeed, on the inner-sleeve notes, Hargove describes "Earfood" as "Sound Nutrition" and says the recording 'was made to bring sonic pleasure to the listener'. He's more than achieved his aim as far as I'm concerned.
The quintet is made up of Hargrove on trumpet & flugelhorn, Justin Robinson on alto sax & flute, Gerald Clayton on piano, Danton Boller on bass and Montez Coleman on drums - brilliant musicians all, and they give some absolutely beautiful solos.
I love the kicker album opener, "I'm Not So Sure" (written by Cedar Walton); the ballads "Brown" (Hargrove); "Starmaker" (Lou Marini) and "Joy Is Sorrow Unmasked" (Hargrove); the upbeat "The Stinger" (Hargrove); "Style" and "Divine" (both by Hargrove), another two fine ballads; the intriguing "To Wisdom The Prize" (Larry Willis) and "Speak Low" (Kurt Weill & Ogden Nash) yet another ballad that almost reduces me to tears every time I hear it. A live performance of the Sam Cooke oldie, "Bring It On Home To Me" rounds off the CD brilliantly. (I don't know what happened but my copy does not contain the song "Yemenja" listed up there. Maybe it's only available on the MP3 album? I don't really care).
And I almost forgot "Strasbourg / St. Denis". While a lovely song in its own right, it always makes me smile because I have very fond memories of the Paris neighbourhood and Metro station from which I presume it gets its name.
But really, this is all good. 13 great tunes, produced by Larry Clothier and Roy Hargrove, and recorded & mixed by the legendary Al Schmitt. I just love it. I reckon it's my favourite jazz CD of this year. |
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Hargrove's best |
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I considered Hargrove's album "The Vibe" to be his best for a long time. He has exceeded that set with this masterwork. The last song does not really fit with the rest, but that does not matter. The sonic quality of this recording is also a cut above most anything I have ever heard. Each instrument is so distinct and clear. More importantly, the music grooves. |
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If you think this CD is excellent...see Roy and Gerald live! |
As usual, Roy delivers a 5+ star performance. This CD is in continuous play in my car, and has been since the day it came out.
The other gem on this recording is Gerald Clayton. He is one incredible jazz pianist; watch for his CD to come out soon as I have no doubts that it will be 5 star as well. Gerald and Roy are playing together more and more, and they compliment each other like no other two musicians that I have ever heard.
As fantastic as this CD is, there is no comparison to hearing Hargrove live. I have seen him on several occasions and he brings down the house every time! He is respectful of the other musicians on the stage, and he bleeds talent. Pay any amount and make any effort to see him. You'll come away from his performance just wanting more more more. |
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ear food |
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I absolutely love this album!Roy Hargrove has done it again,but everything he does is great! |
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Roy is #1 in my book!! |
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Roy Hargrove has never disappointed me. Ear Food is another example of his fine musicianship. I highly recommend this disc . |
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