Search - Code Magenta, Greg Howard, Dawn Thompson :: Code Magenta

It's so out there!

James Hymans | Muncie, Indiana USA | 03/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I wouldn't expect everyone to like this album. In fact, I'm more than a little surprised that I like it. That said, it's hard to ignore the adventurous spirit that these three musicians obviously share. And not only do they have the spirit, they have the necessary chops to do that spirit justice. Greg Howard is the undisputed king of the Chapman Stick, and his work on this album (and his other albums, especially Lift) shows you exactly why. Dawn Thompson has an incredibly unique voice and a flair for taking it places that you weren't expecting. LeRoi Moore is already well known as a great saxophone player, and his work alone makes this album worth owning. If you're familiar with his work with the Dave Matthews Band, be prepared for a shock, however. This album finds LeRoi sounding little like the player that everyone knows from DMB. His work incorporates elements of hard bop, ambient jazz, and just plain avant-garde experimentalism, along with some occasional playing that will sound more familiar to DMB fans. The music on this album is challenging, frequently somewhat dissonant, seldom traditionally melodic, but ultimately brilliant and very rewarding to the open-minded listener. Don't buy this album if you're looking for a DMB connection, because you won't find it here. Buy this album if you're willing to challenge yourself and appreciate some incredible music from outside tradition."

It's ok; not Dave Matthews material

Ben Halpern | Charleston, SC United States | 06/16/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I thought this would have been heavily flooded with Dave Matthews kind of music. The saxophonist, Leroi Moore, of DMB is outstanding in this, and it actually is enjoyable just to listent to in the car or around the house - not a sing along type cd!"

Not what i expected

ellie13@hotmail.com | MAINE | 10/12/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"i was thinking jazz..it has it's own genre. the first song is awesome. i think i might have to listen to it more to get used to it. awesome musical talents though, i have a great appreciation for people who can play instruments."