Let's get started... But not with this album.
11/13/1999
(2 out of 5 stars)
"There's a few catchy tunes here, which in-it-self is a great step forward from the patchy, very disappointing and deeply uninteresting earlier album 'It's so different here' (one or two tracks excepted). Individually played - as on the radio - many of these tracks appear to stand up as a worthwhile listen, but as a whole, this album becomes very tiring. For the most part, Gota appears to set up a straight 4/4 pattern, then simply go at it hammer and tongs for the duration of the track. Many non-drummers do better with tape loops or drum machines, at least making an effort to include some variety and thus create/maintain interest. In these days where many smooth jazz artists resort to mechanical drum machine patterns, it seems a great shame Gota seems quite content to emulate one, rather than use these opportunities as a showcase to demonstrate some true 'live drumming' talent - i.e. playing with feeling. Better examples of Gota's drumming exist elsewhere, although to his credit, Gota has at least written these tunes."
One of the finest contemporary albums of the year
07/26/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a lover of contemporary jazz music, I bought this CD on a whim, after being thoroughly impressed by other releases from Instinct artists like Brian Tarquin and Soundscape UK. Needless to say, this CD does not disappoint. While all the songs are infinetely listenable, I would like to focus on Gota's ability as a songwriter which is quite skilled for a drummer. He knows how to make songs that not only compel the listener to groove to them, but also quieter and bluesier pieces that reveal multi-layered depth. His arrangements for the soloing by some unknown, but very talented musicians, are better than a lot of releases that are being released by more popular contempo artists. Worth mentioning are the instrumental skills by Neil Cowley, who takes some breezy fast-paced solos on acoustic piano, Gota's steady undercurrent of drums and percussion and especially the work of Mark Jaimes and Kenji Jammer on Electric Guitar who show-off their abilities to play fast and clean, yet sometimes crunchy and bluesy and Ian Kirkham (of Simply Red) on Saxophones who plays with so much more guts and passion than Kenny G. or Boney James do that he deserves his own solo project. (sorry reviewer from Connecticut, this is not Sanborn and "Captain Fingers") A top-flite recording all around Instinct is quickly becoming my favorite recording company for Contemporary Jazz"
ONE OF THE BEST
06/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had almost forgotten about Gota after relocating to another city. After hearing European Comfort (from his first CD) I ordered this one and it instantly has become my favorite Jazz cd.The title cut is infectious and the rest of the set is memorable--only Gota can make a flute sound sexy! An instant classic in my book along with his DAY AND NIGHT cd."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
