Review By: Budd Kopman ALLABOUTJAZZ
M. Strickland | USA | 06/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
""... a deeply satisfying mix of body and mind..." BrotherhoodAt LastBrotherhood"
A wonderful blend of styles,The new thing!
Anthony R. Guarriello | Rutherfordton NC | 09/11/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After having this album for a few months I felt compelled to write this review so I could help the purchasing public get turned on to this great album. This record is a live concert recording of tenor sax man Marcus Strickland's Twi-Life group which consists of Marcus Srickland on tenor sax, Mike Moreno guitar, Carlos Henderson-bass & E.J Strickland on drums. They are joined here on most of the tracks by trumpeter Keyon Harrold & spoken word vocalist Malachi. The music on Open Reel Deck is really neat in my opinion because it blends elements of jazz improv hip hop style beats and the intelligent poetry of Malachi which is delivered in a slam style like Saul Williams. The music is very grooving each player is in top form throughout the entire album, especially the guest trumpet player Keyton Harrald. I hadn't heard of him till now and he is definitely a name I'm gonna watch on the music scene. He sounds like Freddie Hubbard here circa Red Clay. He turns in strong solos all with an open horn & lots of power. I was also very impressed with guitarist Mike Moreno mostly for his ability to offer fantastic support to the two horns with a ethereal textured sound sort of like a Pat Metheny but not entirely. Marcus is sounding great playing only the tenor sax. He's studied the great tenor players that much is true. I hear some Coltrane & bits of Hank Mobley and George Coleman sound wise, whatever the formula the results work out great in this music. E.J Strickland Marcus's twin brother holds down the groove with finesse and authority, he gives a jazz like swing on top while giving a strong back beat underneath. My favorite tracks are 2,3,9,10. The melodies are great & stay with you long after the music stops. Even though I have favorites I think this album is best experienced playing from beginning to end, after all it is live and its also worthy of note the way Marcus has incorporated studio production techniques and sound manipulation in this live setting. In my opinion definitely music for our 21st century multi-cultural society we live in today. Check this killer album out, you won't regret it!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1