Search - Topaz :: Zone

Good, but only in spots

06/05/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I was rather looking forward to hearing this record after the glowing reviews posted here and after hearing "Fat City Strut" on the band's website. Unfortunately the promise of "Fat City Strut" is not borne out on about half the tracks on this record, so I would call this record something of a disappointment. The compositions are just too lightweight, and although the individuals in this band are quite proficient players, the overall sound of this record is just too poppy and "smooth" for my liking. Certain tracks ("I Can See It In You", especially) would not seem out of place in a discotheque, circa 1977.All told, I like about five songs on the record, and they happen to be the ones composed by Topaz himself. What this band really needs is more of a hard edge in their sound; as it is, they're just some acid jazz softies with a bit of talent."

Emphasis on the groove

01/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I heard Walkabout on my local Jazz station (WERS)- called the station - got the name of the disc and bought it. This is cool jazz funk with the emphasis squarely on the groove. Definitely not a soloist showcase."

SINISTER ... FUNK

11/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the best jazz/funk album that I've heard in the last two years. Better than Soulive. The music is like a 70's cop show theme with agressive improvisation and futurisic creativity. Buy this disc if you want hot party music, hot love making music, or just a good dose of high flying in your face funk."