Search - Dave Grusin :: Out of the Shadows

Back in time

Olukayode Balogun | Leeds, England | 06/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here's another one that takes me way back to the days when I was a carefree and callow youth. I was just beginning to take jazz seriously than, and was filled with awe at the wide range of different artistes and their speciality instruments that were available to me as a listener.



I wasn't alone. My peers - friends and fellow undergrads - and I were fascinated by guys like Dave Grusin, alongside other contemporary jazz pianists and keyboardists of the time like Bob James, Joe Sample, Ramsey Lewis and Rodney Franklin. (We were also heavily into Herbie Hancock but we always considered him to be in an altogether different league). All of them had an individual trademark sound that we all found instantly recognisable. Pianos and keyboards might all sound alike but it's the players that somehow channel their personalities through their instruments any time they play them. That well-established fact has never ceased to amaze me



Anyways, this album was to be heard blaring from many a campus stereo system back then and though I had a couple of the tunes on cassette, I've never owned the actual album until now. I don't know how or why I've waited so long. Every track is a winner, whether smooth ballad or danceable uptempo groover and the album features people like Lee Ritenour on electric & acoustic guitar, Steve Gadd on drums, Don Grusin on OBX synth & Fender Rhodes, Lincoln Goines on electric & electric upright bass and (especially), Rubens Bassini on percussion. My mates and I used to say back then - if we were listening on an especially good system - that the percussion made it sound like the speakers were spitting at us! Oh, happy days.



Grusin himself plays acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes & OBX synth. This is nothing heavy duty but certainly nothing wishy-washy either.



And it's all over in less than 44 mins but remember: this is from the days when it was all about quality and not quantity. If you're looking for good music, don't be afraid to go back in time in search of it even if it's just once in a while. That's where some of the best music is to be found if you ask me, and this album here is a prime example of that. Check it out."

Perfect

Lovblad | Geneva, Switzerland | 06/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this CD when it came out as a japanese import CD at an horrendous price. However the music and the sound is fantastic. For those who are fans of Grusin's music it is a pleasure and sonically one of the best CDs I have to test equipement."

GOOD Stuff!

S. J. MACDONALD | Denver, Colorado | 10/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! I just entered this CD into my Delicious Library software and was blown-away at the current value! It doesn't surprise me however - this is truly a fantastic repertoire of Grusin cuts. I remember well my dad listening to the vinyl a lot when it came out. When I started collecting/transitioning tapes & vinyl into the new CD 'thing' - I got this immediately. Good thing - now ripped into the iPod I enjoy it a lot too (you just gotta love the whistle)! Awesome! This CD is a GRP Digital Master."