"A Road Less Traveled" is an instrumental collection of "Songs Without Words". The Music would generally be classified as Contemporary Jazz. There is an almost Chamber-Music like approach to the Disc as a whole, as the f... more »ocus of Instruments changes from Song to Song. A heavy emphasis on Melodic and Airy Piano Leads, Soaring Trumpet lines, and Soulful Sax passages weave their way through the Tunes. Each of the Songs is like a "slice of life", pinpointing certain Humanistic Moods and Emotions. The entire Album was recorded with Live Instruments, adding to the Human Element, and making the listener feel as if the Music was being performed in the room, just for them. The overall effect of the Disc is rather personal and contemplative.« less
"A Road Less Traveled" is an instrumental collection of "Songs Without Words". The Music would generally be classified as Contemporary Jazz. There is an almost Chamber-Music like approach to the Disc as a whole, as the focus of Instruments changes from Song to Song. A heavy emphasis on Melodic and Airy Piano Leads, Soaring Trumpet lines, and Soulful Sax passages weave their way through the Tunes. Each of the Songs is like a "slice of life", pinpointing certain Humanistic Moods and Emotions. The entire Album was recorded with Live Instruments, adding to the Human Element, and making the listener feel as if the Music was being performed in the room, just for them. The overall effect of the Disc is rather personal and contemplative.
CD Reviews
Ric Mandell - A Road Less Traveled
George K. Mackey | St. Simons Island, GA United States | 12/07/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is Ric's debut CD. I was very pleased when I listened to it and found it was a solid CD start to finish! Every track stands on it's own. I am a bit picky when it comes to a CD. I have to like every track on it. This CD did not disappoint! One of it's strong points is the balance that I feel a great CD has. No one instrument dominates. Instead, they all compliment each other as it should be. I was not even sure what Ric's instrument was, though I suspected the beautiful piano was him. It is! That piano is a real hook for me! My fav track is Feels Like Love Tonight! Wow! What a great CD!! I enthusiastically look forward to his next release and am turning on my jazz friends to this new star in the sky! Oh yeah, this CD has a really cool cover on it too!! LOL :)"
Awesome
jazzhead70 | madison, tn United States | 03/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Actually, I have not purchased this album yet but i am going to buy it!!! I first heard the track "faith" and i just fell in love with it. I have listened to some of the other tracks and like those also. Ric Mandell is a pianist to be reckoned with! Rock on Ric!!"
Finally jazz in California again
bob roelse | L.A. Calif. | 03/19/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jazz again in L.A., I thought I was back in the true jazz days of the 50's. The interpretation "cats in the cradle" was excellent, true and fresh, bringing a whole new perspective, the 50's in the 22nd century. Jazz from the West Coast. After listening again and again to all the tracks I found 1)cats in the cradle, 3)feels like love tonight, 9)turning point and 11)if you close your eyes, my favorities, but I have all the tracks programed in. It is without a doubt certain that Mandell is a soul from the past with a new, fresh, approach that belongs with the masters of 1950's West Coast Jazz. Now all we need is a rebirth of the Newport Jazz Festival for an appropriate form for the likes of Ric Mandell. Bill Evans more over. Where can we hear more? I love to be at a Ric Mandell woodshed jam."
A Road Less Traveled
bob roelse | 01/19/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the stuff. The interpretation of Harry Chapins' Cats in the Cradle was reassuringly fresh. It captured the essence of the song while bringing a whole new perspective. That really drew me into the album. After repeated listening I continue to hear new nuances. It is clear that Mandell is an accomplished composer and instumentalist capable of a wide range of expressiveness. The music and musicianship are all meticulously first-rate. Who the heck is this guy and why have we not heard from him before? This CD is more than background music, it's a serious statement. I feel like I just discovered a new artist."
Easy yet substantial listening..........
Robin S. Grahl | Miami, Fl USA | 11/28/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The music of Ric Mandell has heart. Listening to this CD is soothing and thought provoking. The old standby tune of Cat's in the Cradle is translated by Ric in a new and wonderful way. I highly recommend this CD."