Neighbourhood

hey j, maybe if you weren't such a snob you would recognize good music, oh and by the way, sanborn is an artist that is never afraid to venture into new territory and has raised the bar for all those that follow. not bad for a kid who picked up an instrument as a child to save his life. he's an inspiration, your just a snob. peace

This music does seem a little "handcuffed" as another reviewer puts it but to label it smooth (ie. in the same genre as Kenny G) is certainly too harsh. Seems more like its generally stuck in 2nd &/or 3rd gear & certainly doesn't show off Stanko or Garbarek to anywhere near their full potential. The best example of what I mean is "Lullaby" a track that according to its title should be lilting & relaxing yet instead comes off as stilted & pre-programmed. Katche's drumming is generally fine although often a bit too "busy" with the star of the disc being undoubtedly pianist Wasilewski. The two highlights in an otherwise fairly subdued outing are February Sun (haunting trumpet lead from Stanko & some of Katche's more restrained, tasteful drumming) & the drop-dead gorgeous & infectious closer Rose with beautiful rich tenor sax from Garbarek & which is almost worth the price of the entire disc.

I was totally blown away by this CD. The compositions are incredible Jan Garbarek's playing is amazing as well as the pianist on the date and Manu's not bad either. I'm really shocked and saddened by other folks who have compared it to smooth jazz. This music has nothing to do with Kenny G, Boney James and the like. But it is melodic, contemporary (and I mean that in the best possible way), jazz done by great improvisers who I think are developing a new language of jazz. I'm an old time ECM listener having bought Eberhard Weber, Jarett, Rypdal, Abercrombie, Towner etc. etc. in the 70' & 80's. And while I've spent the last 15 years listening to other types of music from electronica to neo soul this cd yanked me back to the jazz world because it feels like it acknowledges in a way (not incorporates)all these influences and creates something different. A music that doesn't pander like all those smooth jazz but still manages to challenge while pulling you into incredibly gorgeous compositions. Check out Rose, November 99, and Number one if you don't believe me. Enjoy!

This group can't really decide what they want. The influence of Jan Garbarek changes the tonal quality of the songs. When he is playing they are less subdued which isn't necessarily a good thing.The pianist is outstanding as is the percussionist thus the 4 stars.

"Neighbourhood" by Manu Katche, with Jan Garbareck, Tomasz Stanko, Marcin Wasilewski and Slawomir Kurkiewicz - 2005, ECM Label.

Drummer, Manu Katche, has been making a name for himself as one of the world's better drummers. That may be a matter of opinion but I confess I do like him pretty much. I would describe his style as `soft-spoken'. I first heard the cut "February Sun" from this CD on Cable Radio before I ordered it. I love the Scandinavian Jazz genre from the ECM label so when I saw the incredible artists accompanying Katche, ordering this CD was a no-brainer for me.

This CD is a bit of a departure from the typical ECM album. This is an easy album to listen to, maybe a little too easy for some. The music is quiet, moody, melodic and perhaps not-very-challenging for some of you. When my wife first heard a few cuts, she said "that's nice music". She hates avant guard jazz so that should give you an idea just how smooth this CD is.

Some negative reviewers complained that this CD was nothing more than smooth jazz but that misses the mark. There's more here than just smooth jazz. Jan Garbareck, Tomasz Stanko and Marcin Wasilewski on piano keep it interesting enough. Manu Katche's drumming is quite good and he manages to stay out of the way of the other musicians. I like bassist Slawomir Kurkiewicz playing on this CD as well. The group as a whole reminds me a bit of the Swedish group E.S.T.

If you can imagine, Jan Garbareck, and Tomasz Stanko, playing with E.S.T. then you can imagine what the group sounds like. Those two horn players do some really nice work together and are worth the price of the CD alone.

My modest system (hybrid tube-integrated and MMG speakers) gives a very nice sweet presentation of this type of music. It's detailed enough to bring Katche's percussion forward and give the horns a biting presence. Plus it does a fantastic job of realistically imaging small jazz groups like this.

I recommend the CD for those that want a laid back change of pace, especially if you're a Jan Garbareck, and/or Tomasz Stanko fan.