Golden Gate Quartet - Golden Gate Quartet (The)

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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Advantages: SImply Brilliant music
Disadvantages: Slightly too short

...playing a jazz beat on the drums. Gradually the rest of the quartet enters, bringing in such a great sound. Written in a 5/4 signature this track seems to swing, the beat is so strong. Not the best showcase for Brubeck's individual talent, but none-the -less is exactly what any fan of jazz is expecting to hear on a CD like this. 4)THREE TO GET READY: This is an extremely simple melody, made brilliant by the quality of the playing. Rather than overcomplicate the sound they keep each individual simple. Couple this with a classic 3/4 time signature the piece flows classically. This is another piece that is easy to listen to, no clashing notes or strange saxophone solos to contend with here! 5) KATHY'S WALTZ: A firm favourite with Brubeck fans, and it is easy to understand why. Dedicated to Brubeck's daughter this is again simple jazz... Read review

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