Coventry ( BIR ) - United Kingdom
Joined : July 15, 2006
Okay so this could be seen as just another technically-minded guitarist releasing just another album full of shred and not soul. It could be...but it's not!
Firstly Steve Allen (if that IS your real name...) is an incredible musician, rivaling fellow guitarists like Joe Satrani, not just in technical ability but in songwriting and musical prowess. This isn't just a chops album; these pieces have a life and vitality about them that makes the album so much more.
Secondly, as the artist and his band (I don't know where they're session guys or an actual band) are very tight. There's never a moment where the music feels like it's dragging or falling apart.
Thirdly, there's variety!! Beginning with a frantic 80s Rock driving opener, and ending with a funky, soulful groover, this album packs a lot into it's mere 6 tracks!
Fourthly, download it! This guy definitely deserves to be recognised!
I liken Jamendo to browsing through a record shop; you can spend what seems like forever flicking through albums, getting really bored and wondering why you even came in in the first place when you suddenly find a gem of an LP, making the whole experience worth it. That is exactly how I felt when I came across this.
This is probably the first really good jazz album, of any sub-genre, that I've found on Jamendo. And as a lover of contemporary jazz, it only makes the discovery better!
The sound is very modern but with nods to the old-school (particularly Blue Night Dance which sounds very similar to the classic standard "Autumn Leaves"). The album is by no means overtly experimental, as I'm sure wasn't the intention, but is an exciting listen nonetheless. Mr Pavan clearly knows how to get to the heart and soul of jazz and, believe me, this album shows it.
The musicianship is first-class. What I admire about the artist is that he is prepared to groove with the rest of the band, picking his moments to shine, but being sensitive to the music as each piece requires. The drummer is also top-notch, holding the band together but still picking his moments to branch out.
If you like jazz, of any sort, you'll definately not be dissapointed with this excellent example of how good the genre can be. Fantastic stuff.
The Musicianship is excellent and the songs catchy. Actually reminds me very slightly of Bush and P.O.D.
My only criticism would be the recording mix. Everything can be heard, but it sounds slightly empty the lifts don't sound as powerful as they probably should.
But other than that, a fantastic album :-)
This is how contemporary jazz should be; Chilled beats, exceptional musicianship and fresh ideas.
The level of the musicians on this album is nothing short of fantastic. These guys really know how to play! The drummer and bass player are perfectly locked into the groove and the pianist and guitarist add melody and improv skilfully and expressively.
I'm also impressed with how professionally the whole album's been produced. You sometimes expect here on Jamendo to find albums a little lacking in sound production and mixing but this is by no means the case here. As it should be in chilled jazz, the bass is brought forward in the recording, and the horns and piano are layered amazingly well.
Truly an amazing album!
Just the album you need after a hard day. Chilled chord sequences, downtempto beats, all the hallmarks of great downtempo are here.
But for all this they still manage to be even more creative, bringing in a slight jazz influence.
These guys deserve to be heard, so download the album, shove it in your stereo and let the music do the rest!
The first album I downloaded when I came to this site was Anomalous Materials, JT Bruce's first offering and suffice to say I was blown away!
But I couldn't have imagined the quality and musicianship present on the second album! Stunning sound engineering, virtuoso playing and a perfect example of how progressive rock can be complex bus also listenable. To me it sounds most like Dream Theater and the Liquid Tension Experiment with undertones of Yes.
Good Job!
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