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Pricey But Worth It

Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 04/04/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you are into downloads, that seems to be the cheapest way to get all the songs on From Gagarin's Point of View. If you want to own the physical copy though, you are going to pay and pay dearly unless this is remastered and released on a domestic label. But because of the quality of the music, I don't mind. From Gagarin's Point of View may be pricey, but its worth it.

While this is not my favorite E.S.T. recording, hence only four stars, there is a lot to like. This CD starts very mellow with an even flow, then starts to get interesting with Dodge the Dodo. That is followed by the dreamy title cut which you can also get as a very nice bonus video on another E.S.T. CD/DVD set. Next comes what I consider the album's best cut, The Return of Mohammed, the style of which is very reminiscent of the work of Joe Sample. Beyond that, there is nothing that really stands out until the ultra laid-back final cut Southwest Loner that eases the listener into a state of utter relaxation.

Whatever you might think about the trio's avant-garde proclivities, you have to admit that they are one of the finest jazz piano trios on the international scene. On this CD, those proclivities come to the fore in only a few places so the listener can expect a fairly uninterrupted stream of mostly very melodic jazz. If you are new to E.S.T., I certainly recommend From Gagarin's Point of View but let me also recommend So Long Susie Soho as well. You'll be glad you bought them both."