Beautiful Existence - Joe Morris Quartet

Advantages: One of the greatest instrumental guitarists of all time
Disadvantages: Not quite an essential, "must have" album

...To guitarists world-wide, the name Joe Satriani is synonymous with words like technique, speed, melody and "how-the-hell-did-he-do-that?!". A gifted guitarist and musician, Joe Satriani has been releasing he unique style of rock/metal for two decades. 'Strange Beautiful Music' was released in 2002 and, like most of Satriani's studio releases is an instrumental album and as such finds Joe playing various styles and types of guitar, from his normal electric and acoustic guitars with a rock theme, to a reggae-esque style with many different things in between. Thrown into the mix are banjos, keyboards and what been credited as a 'Frippitronic' guitar, (played by Robert Fripp of King Crimson himself no less). Quite what a Frippitronic guitar is I'm not entirely sure, but Fripp's appearance on the album is impressive, even... Read review

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Advantages: Driven by musical passion. Great Jazz structures (+ lack of)
Disadvantages: All tracks are very similar (no variation)

...A must have for all JTQ fans. This album incorporates acid jazz with the classic James Taylor quartet sound. Opening with Joe's Diversions, the hammond organ sound takes lead throughout the album. Vocals from new singer Yvonne Yanney bring new light to the quartet - the most prominent track being 'It's all over'. For all jazz, and especially acid jazz fans, this album provides complex melodies and harmonies, whilst capturing the unusally simple structures of acid. The album is well produced, and the selection of tracks (11 in total) are well chosen. I would recommend this album to all fans of JTQ and jazz, and to those who are willing to try something new in their musical tastes. Truly a great album, full of musical passion.... Read review

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Advantages: A good range of music is presented here
Disadvantages: Not so good for new Reich fans

...The main piece on this CD is Triple Quartet, a work written as recently as 1999. It has a strident and pungent sound but features Reich's famous driving, pulsing rhythms that are really captivating. Unlike his earlier works, the harmonies are stronger and less lush and there is a constant sense of drama and a surprisingly high level of passion. It took me some time to warm to the piece but now it is very high on my list. The slow movement is particlarly beautiful. Next up is a reworking of Violin Phase for electric guitar. An odd concept but it does work. However i prefer the original, its hard edge tone may not be to everybodys liking. Music for a large ensemble follows next and flows along at fast pace with interlocking patterns. There were moments when the mix seems to lose its way, and some of the textures seem to collide a little... Read review

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