Search - thievery corporation :: Sounds From the Verve Hi-Fi

Original artists & original music only

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 12/11/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It is worth repeating ; this is NOT a Thievery Corporation disc in the vein of "Mirror Conspiracy " or their latest "The Richest Man in Babylon. " If you have recently been turned on to these guys, like their ability to remix the music and are looking for more of the same stay away from this disc. To use Thelonious Monks title to one of his songs, this is "Straight No Chaser." This is pure and simple some old jazz, of the softer variety and sort of like the roots of acid jazz. Featured are some pretty good selections for newbees to the genre but for grey beards this is a stroll down memory lane;essentially an eclectic compilation leaning towrds the softer sounds of bossa nova and the likes of Latin jazz. Imagine James Bond(the original Sean Connery) strutting with his eye on some obscene named babe, introducing himself as Bond.....James Bond with a martini in hand as the featured "For Mods Only " plays in the background by Chico Hamilton. This is music from the 60's, when spies were spies and Peter Sellers was shagadelic. This was the time when world music was spreading it's wings, east meets west with the introduction of sitars and tablas as in the catchy Richie Havens(he of the "Freedom" cry at Woodstock) number included here entitled "Something Else Again." It was a time when pop rock was making the crossover to jazz artists interpretations as in Astrud Gilberto's version of the Doors "Light My Fire". The musical boundries were beginning to be blurred. Some artists were experimenting with Latin rhythmns. The Latin flavors abound with some tasty offerings by one of the great vibe players Cal Tjader and his "Cuchy Frito Man." A few songs are on the fringe of straight ahead jazz like the the numbers by former John Coltrane pianist Wynton Kelly's Trio entitled "Escapade" or the jazz vocal stylings offered by The Jazz Renegades on "Do it the Hard Way ." All in all this is nice compilation for those softer moments when you want ot create a relaxed mood while you tap your feet without falling asleep."

Oh, you poor hipsters!!!

Andrew M. Schirmer | Seattle, WA USA | 02/21/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When Mad Professor remixed Massive Attack's "Protection," there was a rush to grab up the Professor's solo material. You could hear the shouts of horrified hipsters everywhere as REGGAE wafted out of the speakers! Something tells me that something similar might occur with this CD. "Sounds from the Verve Hi Fi" is a collection of semi-obscure easy listening/bossa-nova/jazz from the record collection (are all of their records on Verve? Hmmm...) of Eric Hilton and Roberto Garza, Thievery Corporation to you. NO, it's not set to BEATS, and there is NOTHING SAMPLED. The music here is original and occasionally raw...this is the real thing! Standouts include "Ogd" (anything by Jimmy Smith is a worthy purchase), "Light My Fire" as interpreted by Astrud Gilberto and Wynton Kelly puts in an appearance with "Escapade." The verdict? Everything on here is great, but it's no place to start your jazz collection. This is not the complex or spiritual stuff like Miles or Mingus. However, it goes down quite nicely with a decadent Polynesian cocktail and that lil' special someone..."

Good cocktail lounge music (not elevator music)

Neal C. Reynolds | Indianapolis, Indiana | 08/28/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is good music to have in the background for soft conversation, slow dancing, and, yes, seduction. This is good smooth jazz played by the masters of the form such as Stan Getz, Sergio Mendes & Brazil 66, Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery, Cal Tjader, Astrud Gilberto, Walter Wanderly, and others. It has that Bossa Nova beat to it. Great summertime listening!Somebody wanted to know who the female vocalist on the first track is (No, it sure wasn't Stan Getz! LOL) It's Maria Toledo who was married to Luiz Bonfa who plays with Stan Getz on this cut. This is '60's music and, as I noted, cocktail lounge music. The performers are definitely those best versed in this kind of truly smooth jazz. Recommended for relaxed and for romantic occasions."