Brian Blade - Brian Blade Fellowship (8 tracks) +Album Reviews

Thoughtful and Deep

Kenneth James Michael MacLean | Ann Arbor, MI USA | 07/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Brian Blade has put together a recording that communicates at a spiritual level.
For me, the highlight of the recording is Dave Easley's pedal steel guitar solo on 'Mohave'. It's astonishing, and one of the best solos I've ever heard. His passionate guitar is literally crying for joy.
John Cowherd's piano is thoughtful, melodic, and swinging when necessary.
Although there are many textures in this music, it all fits together beautifully. And the musicians all seem to be on the same page. It's one of those sessions that you can listen to a hundred times, and find something new every time. In other words, this is music that won't get stale!
Brian Blade's playing is sensitive, complex, and fiery, as are the compositions. Blade is one of the very best drummers to come along in quite a while.
This is music that hit me on a very deep level. It took 3 or 4 listenings before I could even understand it, but it was worth it. It's music that spoke to some very deep feelings within me, and every time I listen to it, I feel inspired.
This CD is beautiful, complex, and very interesting."

One of the Best Straight Ahead Albums in Years!

Kenneth James Michael MacLean | 02/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Now that the "young lion" movement is fizzling out, the real composers / players are emerging from the rubble. For anyone who's tired of the endless tribute albums and uninspired albums of standards, this album is a breath of fresh air for the jazz world. Mr. Blade has already proven himself as a drummer (he swings so hard, it hurts), but this album showcases his exceptional composing skills as well. The interaction between the players is beautiful. It's clearly evident that these guys were inspired by this session. Anyone who appreciates geniunely good music with integrity and heart & soul should add this to his / her collection immediately!!"

Fresh air!

John Kelman | 08/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"having been an admirer of brian's playing for some time now i was really interested to hear his record. the music on this recording is really a breath of fresh air, especially coming from somebody who may have been looked upon as a "young jazz lion". brian proves that real music comes from within' and staying true to one's roots. i heard he was offered a record deal five or six years ago, but waited until he thought he had written music that resonated with him. it would've been easy for him to put together a session of burning players and i'm sure it would've yeilded a good record. but, "fellowship" is a GREAT record and it's rare that a young musician is mindful enough to know what will make an okay record and what makes a true representation of their vision. i may be going overboard, but i don't think so. jazz has been turned into a commidity, a genre, an idiom, a bag so to speak. i sure hope blade keeps doing what he's doing and more people drop their labels and just embrace MUSIC. that's what "fellowship" is all about and you can hear it on the recording. thank you brian."

Fabulous ensemble with strong compositions and soloing

John Kelman | Ottawa, Ontario Canada | 07/07/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought Brian Blade's album on the strength of his work with Joshua Redman and Kenny Garrett, but was surprised to find that, not only was he a great player, but his writing is extrememly strong, he has a wonderful ensemble (tenor/soprano sax, alto sax, upright bass, Grand Piano/Wurlitzer, electric guitar and pedal (yes, pedal!) steel guitar.The album is nothin short of wonderful. The playing is sublime and, considering the size of the ensemble, nobody gets in anyone's way.I just saw the group at the Montreal Jazz Fest and it was identical to the album, with the exception of the guitarist, who was replaced by Kurt Rosenwinkle (who I actually preferred). They took the material to even further heights. This is a band that came together quickly, but has an obvious chemistry. I saw them twice at the fest - once in a sort of Quebec version of MTV unplugged in front of a studio audience of about 75 people, and then in a theatre, packed to the rafters. The group played for two solid hours and, having spent 5 days at the festival, was a highlight (the only other show that was close was John Scofield's A Go Go performance).Brian Blade is being considered the drummer of the new millenium. He reminds me, in some ways, of the late Tony Williams, not so much in the what he plays, but in his complete abandon and open-minded approach. Buy the album, see the band, and watch out for this guy - he's going to be one of the great leaders of the next 50 years (he's only 27!), considering his musical maturity at so young an age.There is not a weak track on the album. One last thing that amazed me, both live and on record - with an ensemble that large, there was never a clash - everyone had their place and the sound, while lush and warm, was never cluttered. Finally, Brian and his mates are very spiritual people, and it comes out in their music. Brian, when speaking, is exceedingly humble, and perhaps a bit overwhelmed by the reception he has received, but there is no lack of confidence when he ge! ts behind a kit!Oh yes - the album is produced by Daniel Lanois, yet for once it does not have that recognizable signature Lanois sound (not that I mind it, but it is nice to see him abandoning it when appropriate). A must have album , and surely one of the best of 1998!"

Warm sound (thanks to D. Lanois), bright compositions

John Kelman | 10/23/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I came across this CD because it had the magic words "produced by Daniel Lanois" on it. Plus, I knew Brian's work with Emmylou Harris. It was only when I put the CD into my player that I noticed the label - Blue Note. I was VERY surprised when I heard the first few bars of this wonderful music - given the number of heads in the ensemble the sound is dense but nobody gets in the way of the other players. The compositions are strong - I found myself humming and whistling along to the tunes during the first listening. The guitar playing reminds me of Pat Metheney, which is meant to be a compliment. Brian's CD is in the top 5 recordings of 1998!"

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