Search - David Lanz :: Good Life

From MainlyPiano.com

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 08/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first thing I have to say about "The Good Life" is that it is not a "typical" David Lanz album. Lanz's releases of the past several years have contained some smooth jazz tracks along with his soulful, inward-looking piano pieces, but "The Good Life" is a collection of fun, jazzy collaborations with other artists. I have been a fan of Lanz's music since the beginning of his recording career, and teach his music to my students more than that of any other composer,but if I hadn't known in advance that "The Good Life" was a major change of direction in Lanz's music, I think I would have thought someone had sent me the wrong CD. That said, I find this recording to be very enjoyable, and a spirited sense of fun prevails throughout the album. A few years ago, I had the amazing experience of watching David Lanz and Kevin Kern (another artist not often associated with jazz!) improvise a couple of piano duets on the spot, blowing everyone present away. So, why not? Lanz suggests that this CD is a perfect antidote to our troubled world, and he could be right. Probably Lanz's most commercial recording to date, the music is catchy, light, and dances around with a big grin on its face. Lanz is joined by Jeff Lorber and Greg Karukas on keyboards, Eric Marienthal and Michael Paulo on sax, and a full band of bass, drums, horns, guitar, and percussion. Six of the ten tracks were composed by David Lanz, and the other four are collaborations.



The concept for "The Good Life" came about as Lanz was "musing" at the piano on one of his musical heroes, jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. "Sorry Charlie," a lighthearted toe-tapper, was the first track composed. Lanz had so much fun doing this and hearing the results played back that he decided to continue in this vein. I like "Kal-E-Fornia" a lot, with its easy piano groove, funky horns and guitar, and free spirit. "Fool's Magic" is another favorite, with its contrasting styles that alternate a smooth and rhythmic melody and a power-driven chorus. The closing track, "A Song For Helen," is more "classic" Lanz than the rest of the album, and is a song written in honor of his mom, full of warmth and love.



David Lanz has a very long history of releasing spiritual, romantic music, and I think he has wanted to do an album like this for a long time. Some folks will be demanding to know where the aliens took their favorite Sensitive New Age Guy, but I think Lanz will reach a whole new audience with "The Good Life," and will probably get a lot more radio play with it. Taking the music as it is intended, it would be a great party album (with or without other people!), so kick off your shoes, pour yourself a cool one, and enjoy!"

A real surprise! A gem!

CJ Mann | Manchester, UK | 09/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let me tell you about this recent find! I bought The Good Life on the strength of a review I read and it's already one of my "grab it if there's a fire" treasures.



The first two songs Big Sur and Kal-E-Fornia have the rhythmic bounce and sheer melodic content to have you tapping your feet and humming or whistling. You'll keep grooving to the funky title track and Mood Swing with its gorgeous staccato drumming and crystal-clear piano.



My favourite song is Not a Moment Too Soon. It has everything: an insistent bassline, tiny riffs on keyboard and guitar which get right inside your head, Michael Paulo's gorgeous sax and Lenny Castro's delicious percussion. Add that superlative piano and a strong composition and you've got music that I can only describe as... perfect!



2004 so far has been a reassuring year for me as a lover of contemporary jazz - this album is one of the reasons why.



"

Smoothjazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 08/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Get ready for ten compelling new songs from pianist/composer David Lanz, THE GOOD LIFE brings this gifted artist back home to a radio format that once embraced his solo efforts more than a dozen years ago while he was recording for Narada Records. Enter David Lanz Circa 2004. Surrounded by A-List smoothies, including Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson, Jr, Rick Braun, and Gregg Karukas to name a few. THE GOOD LIFE incorporates the signature depth of David Lanz piano playing into what we believe is the feel good album of the summer. Still spiritually grounded, Lanz says the album title is "A call to appreciate life's many blessings in a time where the headlines threaten to cloud our individual worlds with fear and negativity." No anxiety on THE GOOD LIFE, only Smooth Jazz through and through. Our favorites include the new radio hit, "Big Sur" (a place near and dear to our hearts here at Smoothjazz.com; just down the coast on Hwy 1) which features Paul Jackson, Jr. on a Flamenco-styled guitar. We also dig, "Kal-E-Fornia" for it's spicy, samba groove, as well as the old school, R&B tinged title track, and the retro and soulful, "Mood Swing" co-written by Robbie Nevil. Our very favorite tune on THE GOOD LIFE is "It's The Way That I Feel" featuring Eric Marienthal on sax, it's the perfect marriage of Smooth and Soulful. The good life can be yours, including a copy of this great new album in your music collection will get there sooner! ~Sandy Shore

"