Although I am not a professional ‘Reviewer ‘, as a musician and a listener of wide diversity I would like to comment on my impression of a pre-release copy of James McRae’s ‘ Slow Down ‘.
After the first initial play of the disc’s ten songs I found a striking sense of balance between the compositions and the quartet. With an undercurrent of Brazilian Jazz the musicians weave, flow and tunefully surf at the top of the musical waves they produce. Within a range from the beautifully slow and reaching ‘ Wouldn’t It ‘ to the Fusion reverberations of ‘ U For Ee Ya ‘ the release sustains its artistry and vitality.
Jennifer Scott’s vocals wordlessly create a mirror narrative with Miles Black’s keyboard inventiveness that allows the ideas to achieve a crisp layering with the exceptional melodic bass of Rene Worst and the active jazz pulse created by James with the drums.
After several spins I was motivated to research the composer’s, as well as the other musician’s works.
It was not surprising to find the players are highly regarded in the Jazz realm and all lead strong musical lives.
With ‘Slow Down ‘I believe James has found a ‘voice' that expresses his ideas distinctly within a small group setting that shines with opportunity.
Review
By GuestSlow Down ….
Although I am not a professional ‘Reviewer ‘, as a musician and a listener of wide diversity I would like to comment on my impression of a pre-release copy of James McRae’s ‘ Slow Down ‘.
After the first initial play of the disc’s ten songs I found a striking sense of balance between the compositions and the quartet. With an undercurrent of Brazilian Jazz the musicians weave, flow and tunefully surf at the top of the musical waves they produce. Within a range from the beautifully slow and reaching ‘ Wouldn’t It ‘ to the Fusion reverberations of ‘ U For Ee Ya ‘ the release sustains its artistry and vitality.
Jennifer Scott’s vocals wordlessly create a mirror narrative with Miles Black’s keyboard inventiveness that allows the ideas to achieve a crisp layering with the exceptional melodic bass of Rene Worst and the active jazz pulse created by James with the drums.
After several spins I was motivated to research the composer’s, as well as the other musician’s works.
It was not surprising to find the players are highly regarded in the Jazz realm and all lead strong musical lives.
With ‘Slow Down ‘I believe James has found a ‘voice' that expresses his ideas distinctly within a small group setting that shines with opportunity.