TAS Super LP List! Special Merit: Informal
TAS Rated 4/5 Music, 4.5/5 Sonics in the October 2010 Issue of The Absolute Sound!
Limited to 2000 copies!
Since 1989 when bassist Christian McBride moved to New York at the age of 17, the Philadelphia native has been one of the most important and influential artists of his generation. He's not only developed into a top-tier solo artist who is equally adept on acoustic and electric bass, but he's also been the go-to bass sideman, with support duties ranging from Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea to Diana Krall and Sting. Over a period of 20 years, McBride has been documented on over 250 recordings.
McBride's debut album with Mack Avenue Records, Kind of Brown, features his new quintet, Inside Straight. In addition to McBride on bass, the quintet consists of pianist Eric Reed, alto saxophonist Steve Wilson, drummer Carl Allen, vibraphonist Warren Wolf.
"McBride and his quintet Inside Straight have a traditional allusion in both their group name and album title. While that fact may reflect on the musics accessibility and place in straightforward jazz lineages, it doesnt mean theres anything stale and stodgy on Kind of Brown. The disc contains the swinging side of McBrides work, incorporating some hard bop influences. The songs bounce along, and while McBrides playing never disappoints, he leaves room for his bandmates, and its a tight outfit. The music may be straight-ahead, but its not starchy; cuts like Used Ta Could emphasize the light-hearted pleasure available. One of the better surprises here is the unveiling of Warren Wolf, Jr. on vibes. McBrides former student holds his own here, showing not only flash but also a strong ability to integrate his playing with the vets surrounding him. While Kind of Brown resists stylistic novelty, it does provide a highly entertaining way to revisit that old Blue Note sound while taking in something fresh." - Justin Cober-Lake, popmatters.com
"...the best evalution of this album lies in the fact that, before listening, you might beel a little stuffy about McBride's having shamelessly, with only a single color change, lifted the title of Miles' by-now classic "Kind of Blue." After listening, you'll be too much on Christian's side to let it bother you..." - Orrin Keepnews, from liner notes
"This solid group rekindles the classic 60s Blue Note sound... Released as a limited edition 210-gram vinyl double LP set." - Bill Milkowski, The Absolute Sound, October 2010
Features:
Limited Edition, 2000 copies
210g Vinyl
Double LP
Includes digital download of album
Musicians:
Christian McBride, bass
Eric Scott Reed, piano
Steve Wilson, saxophone
Carl Allen, drums
Warren Wolf, Jr., vibes
Selections:
LP 1
1. Brother Mister
2. Theme For Kareem
3. Rainbow Wheel
4. Starbeam
5. Used 'Ta Could
LP 2
1. The Shade of the Cedar Tree
2. Pursuit of Peace
3. Uncle James
4. Stick & Move
5. Where Are You?
TAS Rated 4/5 Music, 4.5/5 Sonics in the October 2010 Issue of The Absolute Sound!
Limited to 2000 copies!
Since 1989 when bassist Christian McBride moved to New York at the age of 17, the Philadelphia native has been one of the most important and influential artists of his generation. He's not only developed into a top-tier solo artist who is equally adept on acoustic and electric bass, but he's also been the go-to bass sideman, with support duties ranging from Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea to Diana Krall and Sting. Over a period of 20 years, McBride has been documented on over 250 recordings.
McBride's debut album with Mack Avenue Records, Kind of Brown, features his new quintet, Inside Straight. In addition to McBride on bass, the quintet consists of pianist Eric Reed, alto saxophonist Steve Wilson, drummer Carl Allen, vibraphonist Warren Wolf.
"McBride and his quintet Inside Straight have a traditional allusion in both their group name and album title. While that fact may reflect on the musics accessibility and place in straightforward jazz lineages, it doesnt mean theres anything stale and stodgy on Kind of Brown. The disc contains the swinging side of McBrides work, incorporating some hard bop influences. The songs bounce along, and while McBrides playing never disappoints, he leaves room for his bandmates, and its a tight outfit. The music may be straight-ahead, but its not starchy; cuts like Used Ta Could emphasize the light-hearted pleasure available. One of the better surprises here is the unveiling of Warren Wolf, Jr. on vibes. McBrides former student holds his own here, showing not only flash but also a strong ability to integrate his playing with the vets surrounding him. While Kind of Brown resists stylistic novelty, it does provide a highly entertaining way to revisit that old Blue Note sound while taking in something fresh." - Justin Cober-Lake, popmatters.com
"...the best evalution of this album lies in the fact that, before listening, you might beel a little stuffy about McBride's having shamelessly, with only a single color change, lifted the title of Miles' by-now classic "Kind of Blue." After listening, you'll be too much on Christian's side to let it bother you..." - Orrin Keepnews, from liner notes
"This solid group rekindles the classic 60s Blue Note sound... Released as a limited edition 210-gram vinyl double LP set." - Bill Milkowski, The Absolute Sound, October 2010
Features:
Limited Edition, 2000 copies
210g Vinyl
Double LP
Includes digital download of album
Musicians:
Christian McBride, bass
Eric Scott Reed, piano
Steve Wilson, saxophone
Carl Allen, drums
Warren Wolf, Jr., vibes
Selections:
LP 1
1. Brother Mister
2. Theme For Kareem
3. Rainbow Wheel
4. Starbeam
5. Used 'Ta Could
LP 2
1. The Shade of the Cedar Tree
2. Pursuit of Peace
3. Uncle James
4. Stick & Move
5. Where Are You?
