Search - Alan Pasqua :: Antisocial Club

Miles Of Inspiration

Star Thrower | 01/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this great cd just before Christmas and after quite a few spins I still find it an inspired listen. This music is obviously informed by electric Miles but it's much more than a pale imitation. I've enjoyed Alan's playing since the Tony Williams Lifetime days and it's great to hear him playing electric piano on these excellent new compositions aided by a crack ensemble. The band features the excellent young trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, along with Nels Cline on guitar, Jimmy Haslip on bass, Scott Amendola on drums, Alex Acuna on percussion, and Jeff Elwood on saxophones. The album is beautifully recorded with good dynamics as Jimmy Haslip's bass kicks off the title track. It's a medium tempo lyrical tune that leaves just the right amount of space between the notes to allow the listener room to hear each instrument distinctly. Although some of the extended pieces such as Fast Food, and Wicked Good are rather intense, overall the album has an upbeat positive vibe. The most enduring piece is the album closer, Message To Beloved Souls Departed. A beautiful and poignant ballad I find myself going back to time and time again. An excellent release from Mr. Pasqua, and Cryptogramophone!"

New/old directions

S. T. Moore | NC, United States | 06/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the way that music might/should/could have continued since the early 70s....familiar elements from the great jazz made by Miles Davis and his colleagues....before the music became blander, less challenging, less menacing.....wonderful grooves, funked up electronic sounds....

first rate!"