Search - Steve Coleman, Five Elements :: Resistance Is Futile

Geometric Jazz-Funk

Troy Loftin | SACRAMENTO, CA United States | 01/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Steve Coleman makes some of the most unique music I have ever heard. I would describe it as extremely intelligent, conceptual, modern funk jazz. Although some `fusion' music makes compromises in order to come together, this does not. Steve Coleman has been doing his thing for years and this music and this band is VERY tight, real, and highly evolved.Imagine James Brown's band jamming in some inner city nightclub. Whilst getting `funky', Plato walks in and starts expanding their minds with some trippy ancient philosophical concepts. Then Einstein comes in to help them apply these ideas to their music. Suddenly the drummer is playing in 9/8 time, the bassist in 7/8 and the pianist in 3.5/6. Charlie Parker walks in and hears this crazy-mad funk, pulls out his horn and starts to blow... That kinda describes just some of Coleman's stuff.But don't listen to me. Go to Steve Coleman's great website,..., and find out for yourself. Not only do you get great info and interviews, but Steve has most all of his albums available for download, free!!!"

Full Throttle Ahead!

A. Davis | Greenville, SC | 07/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been intrigued with Steve Coleman's music since the early 80's when he and Greg Osby and Cassandra Wilson were moving boundaries with their M-Base concepts. He also caught my fancy with his exceptional contributions to Dave Holland's exceptional music on "Triplicate" and "Extensions". The music on "Resistance is Futile" is even more advanced than anything Coleman has recorded in the past. This music is difficult to describe because it excels on every level. It swings one minute and is funky the next. It can be soft and gentle and then drive a groove like a locomotive. It is structured and melodic while being spontaneous and creative at the same time. I hope this is the future of Jazz - a magical collaboration of intelligent communications between leader and band mates. This music is vivid and colorful - and I loved every minute of it. Grab this hard to find CD and hang on to your hat. You will not be disappointed. Resistance is indeed, futile!!!"