Patches Stewart, trumpet: Blow — Koch Records KOC-CD-5774, 54:24 ****:
Blow, the latest Michael “Patches” Stewart release has been in a solid
rotation of music I play for my newborn son. It’s jazzy enough to
boogie to like Bill Cosby, and smooth enough to keep the baby sleeping
all night like a newborn baby.
Produced by the ever popular Marcus Miller (some performers who he’s
produced with include Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, Jamaica Boys,
Luther Vandross and many others) has just the touch needed to put
Patches on top of the list of trumpet players world-wide. Miller also
plays several instruments on the album.
produced with include Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, Jamaica Boys,
Luther Vandross and many others) has just the touch needed to put
Patches on top of the list of trumpet players world-wide. Miller also
plays several instruments on the album.
This album showcases Patches’ classic trumpet playing, and the album
hosts such artists as LeDon Bishop, MC Lyte, Kenny Garrett, DJ Quik and
Will Downing. My favorite track on the album “I Know What You
Like (Funk-Jazz)” with Poogie Bell on drums; showcases the fantastic
range of tone the trumpet allows. Patches has mastered his skills
to perfection. Another favorite is the cover of Stevie Wonder’s
“Overjoyed.” A great version of the piano’s theme is translated to the
trumpet with such impressive style. It just makes you want to be able
to play an instrument if you can’t, and take some more lessons if you
can.
hosts such artists as LeDon Bishop, MC Lyte, Kenny Garrett, DJ Quik and
Will Downing. My favorite track on the album “I Know What You
Like (Funk-Jazz)” with Poogie Bell on drums; showcases the fantastic
range of tone the trumpet allows. Patches has mastered his skills
to perfection. Another favorite is the cover of Stevie Wonder’s
“Overjoyed.” A great version of the piano’s theme is translated to the
trumpet with such impressive style. It just makes you want to be able
to play an instrument if you can’t, and take some more lessons if you
can.
The HDCD sound comes across with great clarity, especially in the high
end brassy sounds. I really can’t compare it to any other jazz CD I
own, the sound is just that good.
end brassy sounds. I really can’t compare it to any other jazz CD I
own, the sound is just that good.
Blow’s 12-track album includes superb covers of Stevie Wonder’s
“Overjoyed” and Herbie Hancock’s “Tell Me a Bedtime Story.” Along
with a super poppy Gumbo intro and outro, title track Blow, I know What
You Like, We Be Getting’ Down, Don’t You Know, Road Song, Cruisin’
featuring a rap by MC Lyte, Congo Square and No More.
“Overjoyed” and Herbie Hancock’s “Tell Me a Bedtime Story.” Along
with a super poppy Gumbo intro and outro, title track Blow, I know What
You Like, We Be Getting’ Down, Don’t You Know, Road Song, Cruisin’
featuring a rap by MC Lyte, Congo Square and No More.
— Paul Pelon IV
