Search - Jeff Lopez :: The Sun And The Rain

JEFF LOPEZ? THE SUN AND THE RAIN, features a straight-ahead quintet that emphasizes the beauty of acoustic timbres and fresh, individual improvisation. Originals by the leader, these songs maintain a lyrical presence throughout. Melodies are supplied by alternating saxophonists, guitarists, and the bassists. Jeff Lopez approaches his instrument with a delicate hand. Solo fingerstyle melodies from a double bass can leave lasting impressions. They?re soft and gentle; yet they?re accurate melodies that sing like any other instrument. In his self-produced debut, Lopez takes several opportunities to demonstrate. His musicianship and expressions are right on the button. And he?s surrounded himself with like-minded artists. Everyone solos, and each member of the quintet knows how to blend. Isn?t it nice when you can feel the drums and bass gently, instead of hearing them ring out loudly in your ears? It?s a relatively quiet session with much animation everywhere. A graduate of both the Berklee College of music and the Manhattan School of Music, and a former student of Jaco Pastorius, Lopez writes melodic songs that stay with you long after the recording has finished. That doesn?t happen every day. It?s one of those criticisms that pops up every time we compare Pop Music to Jazz. Surprisingly, for a debut album, Lopez? debut belongs on this year?s top ten list. CADENCE MAGAZINE June 2002 Jim Santella