Jim Cifelli – Groove Station (Short Notice Music)

by | Jun 2, 2005 | Pop/Rock/World CD Reviews | 0 comments

Jim Cifelli – Groove Station; Short Notice Music SNM-003 CD ***1/2: 

Cifelli explored “little big band” music with his New York Nonet for
the last three records, and this disc sees the trumpeter-composer take
a detour and land with both feet planted deep in the funk. 
Influences might be James Brown, Tower of Power, and Stevie wonder, but
it’s still great jazz.  He’s joined by some terrific New York
players on saxophone, guitar, keyboards, bass, and drums.  The
music is fast moving, rhythmic, and dynamic—just like a like
performance.  “Time Out” slows the band down for a sweet, mellow
ride.  By the time the keyboards came in I was totally digging the
piece.  “Sertao” is another slower tune and the cymbals at the
beginning remind me a lot of Lee Morgan’s Search for the New Land or a
Charles Lloyd piece.  It soon picks up with a punchy bass
line.  Sound quality on this disc is very good though bass is a
little heavy in the mix and the top end is not quite as airy as I’d
like.  This record is so enjoyable you’ll just want to put it on
and listen to it again and again!  Recommended. 

 
Songs
included are:  Groove Station; You Better Believe It; Time Out;
Chaotica; Young Dan; Sertao; Long time Comin’; Old School.

-Brian Bloom
 

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