Search - Upton, Brad :: Black Orchid

Hypnotic, sensous, sincere, and powerfully gorgeous.

Thomas Gutierrez Jr | Oceanside CA | 11/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As I go through the years, my musical influences of the past(EWF,Stevie Wonder,Parliament,Miles,Herbie Hancock,Jaco)becomes my guide to the soulfullnes of music that I currently enjoy. No, I am not a recent " Smooth Jazz" convert, like many of those 30 something that never heard Miles play " Blue in Green" or nor am I the Jazz purist that never understood the dark grooves of " Tutu." I am not set in a trench by styles, but by the pure truth, and passion and emotion that great music can bring. And " Black Orchid" is absouletly one of the greatest Jazz records I own in my collection from Miles ( past to later), Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, to Norman Brown.From the opening sensously wicked " Groove II" to the last cut, you will be hypnotize by the beauty, passion, and overall great playing of these musicians ! It is electric Jazz that is not directed towards "smooth Jazz", but fans of Rick Braun would enjoy it, and its not based towards a total fusion vibe either, but Herbie Hancock fan's would feel and dig it also. It goes beyond those labels, it goes beyond notes, it becomes your soul for that moment your listening ! Highly recommended five stars !"

What a FiNd

Thomas Gutierrez Jr | 07/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Upon stubling onto this CD I was surprised to hear a funky and hypnotic CD that was easy to listen to repeatedly. The Brad Upton Quintet has done a wonderful job of combining funk and jazz and beatufil ballads that are surprisingly soothing. I recommend you check this CD out. I am not even that big of a jazz lover but this CD got me excited unlike many jazz pieces I have listened to. What a Find."