Search - Kenny Garrett :: Happy People

Happy People
Kenny Garrett
Happy People
Genres: Jazz, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (11) - Disc #1

With coproducer Marcus Miller thumping his bass on the first track on the 11-song disc, "Song for DiFang," Happy People starts off like it could be the first great contemporary jazz album of the millennium. But by the time...  more »

     
?

Larger Image

CD Details

All Artists: Kenny Garrett
Title: Happy People
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Wea Japan
Release Date: 3/27/2002
Album Type: Import
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Styles: Modern Postbebop, Bebop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1

Synopsis

Amazon.com
With coproducer Marcus Miller thumping his bass on the first track on the 11-song disc, "Song for DiFang," Happy People starts off like it could be the first great contemporary jazz album of the millennium. But by the time the album ends with the Coltrane-ish tribute to saxophonist Billy Harper, "Brother B. Harper," it's obvious that this album is destined for best-of-the-year lists from hardcore beboppers and world-music lovers alike. Recorded during the week of September 11, 2001, Garrett has assembled a group of melodies nearly as haunting as some of the images from that period. The core band of bassist Charnett Moffett, former smooth-jazz pianist Vernell Brown Jr., hip-hop drummer Chris Dave, and the special guests weave a unique tapestry of songs rooted in China, Japan, and Korea, but with jazz sensibilities and pop overtones. The kudos abound here, from Garrett's soul-searching sax playing and emotional compositions to those who deliver powerful solos, including veteran vibes master Bobby Hutcherson, guitar wiz Randy Razz, and wordless vocalist Jean Norris. --Mark Ruffin

Similar CDs

 

CD Reviews

Not your usual Kenny Garrett...
Butters and Guns | AZ | 11/16/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)

"but there's a reason.



Kenny recorded much of Standard of Language at the same time that he recorded Happy People. It is under my impression that his aim for the much poppier, smoother Happy People was to cheer people up in a time of sorrow (right after the 9-11 tragedy), hence Standard of Language was released a year later than Happy People.



If you want feel-good jazz performed by a brilliant jazz musician, pick up a copy of Happy People.



If you want that vintage Kenny Garrett jazz sound at all its intense and sizzling goodness, look into his other albums such as Songbook, Standard of Language, etc."