Search - Gold Sparkle Band :: Nu Soul Zodiac

Open your ears and GSB will open your mind

Richard B. Downing | hudson, Florida USA | 09/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Gold Star Band will just not let up. This, their third CD, is so tight, so open, so incredibly well played. Jazz? I guess. Free jazz? Some of it. Ensemble playing? A lot, but also great solos. Charlie Waters' reeds continue to amaze, but who doesn't on this CD. The addition of Kim Lemonde's cello on three cuts is welcome. More of that of CD #4 I hope. Trumpet's not my instrument of choice normally, but Roger Ruzow could change my mind. He and Waters keep up "intensity with taste" - a rare combo. And Baker and Roberts' rhythm section pushes and supports and pushes and supports and...hey, just focus on bass and drums and you'll like the CD. The only weak link is the band's name (Gold Sparkle?) If Kenny G. is your idea of jazz, pass on this. If, say, Ken Vandermark or Ellery Eskelin provide the challenges you have to have in music, then order Nu Soul and listen to it, then listen to it again. And again. And marvel at how it continues to reveal itself more each time. Then take a break only long enough to buy Downsizing and Earthmover (in that order)."