Live Jazz at its Best
5
By jeremy.1
Walter's debut, Casually Introducing is an exciting mix of the best modern jazz music out there, and Live in Paris takes it to the next level. Each composition is expanded to its limit, with most of the tracks averaging over 10 minutes. Walter's sound and his solos are full of technical prowess and musicality, and shows his playing to be dynamic and powerful. Backing him up are virtuoso trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, who takes his most impressive solo on "Aroca", one of his brilliant compositions, which showcases his amazing restraint, along with thematic, washy solos from Aaron Goldberg, who is a monster at the piano, and of course Walter. The opening track, "Blues," is an epic extension of the Walter original--its fiery, fast, full of enormous ups and downs that rise and fall with each unique solo by the band-- note Walter's solo intro, full of great melody and complex harmony. Stablemates and Cyclic Episode are uptempo experiments with the time, feel, and melody of the original tunes. Listen to "Shed," for some impressive piano from Aaron along with a beautiful arrangement of the melody.
If you want a record you wont be able to stop listening to, buy this now. Its definitely one of the most exciting releases of the year!
Great follow to "Casually Introducing"
5
By Jacob Shulman
If you have the Reggae King's first record, you know he's a bad dude. This record's shortest track clocks in at over 9 minutes; every piece of music is full, complete, and never gets boring, even into the 12th and 13th minute. The album truly encaspulates what it means to produce a love record from audience members clapping to the aucoustic vibe given off at all times. Particularly notable are Walter's solo on "Stablemates," Ambrose's on "Blues" and Aaron's on "Shed," as well as a stuinning bass intro by living legend Matt Brewer. This whole record is amazing from start to finish, a perfect contrast to the highly organized debut of it's leader, a must have in the fullest sense of the words. "Live in Paris" is an increidible record from one of today's best musicians, hands down, you need this album.
