Life Games Gets Back to Good Jazz!
Donna Burdo | Narberth, PA USA | 08/28/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"What ever happened to GOOD contemporary jazz? I remember when contemporary jazz meant music that was energetic and exciting. Music that was adventurous and spontaneous -- and made you even want to get up and dance! What is with all the elevator music we hear on these muzak radio stations that call themselves "jazz stations," going by the names the Quiet Storm, or the Breeze, or the Wave? I recently bought Isaiah Stewart "Life Games," and it took me back to a time when contemporary jazz was exciting music that explored new directions and wasn't music you would hear in a dentist's office. But it was still VERY listenable and enjoyable! The music on Life Games is great from cover to cover, and there is an amazing amount of variety -- everything from hard rock to swing to funky R&B. And the music is also MELODIC, which is pretty amazing considering that Stewart is a drummer, and that he composed and arranged all of the music. I especially liked the song "Midtown Funk," as well as the smooth groove and pretty melody of "Solar Island." (OK, I liked all 14 songs.) I can tell Stewart grew up listening to all the jazz I used to love listening to in the '70s and '80s. Artists like Tom Scott, Jean-Luc Ponty, Al Dimeola, and Chuck Mangione, etc. This CD took me back to a time when contemporary jazz was actually good musc -- cheerful, fun and exciting music -- and not what you heard in an elevator. Highly recommended!"
IN THE POCKET!
Baddstuff | astoria, ny United States | 07/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You do not have to be drummer (like me) to enjoy this CD but if you are you will love the way Isaiah lays down a serious groove and gets catfish funky! This guy is a master at what he's doing here. The tunes are well written and performed. If these tunes don't get your toe tapping then nothing will, simple as that. This CD lets the music do the talkin'. Highly recommended!!"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1
