CD Reviews

Mark Heaney – Drum Room

(February 18, 2009)

UK drummer Mark Heaney releases his first solo album dedicated totally to drums.

Ramon Montanhaur – Boyya

(December 23, 2008)

The reason it’s taken me so long since the last review is because I didn’t want to take this CD out of my player! Ramon Montanhaur is a powerhouse on the drums. Boyya is beautiful mix of

Bens Jazz Kit – Dizzy Minds

(October 31, 2008)

Funk, Rock, hip-hop, R&B, twisted together in an unnatural order that somehow works in a perfectly natural flow. This Seattle trio, Bens Jazz Kit, is comprised of Ben Reece on guitar, Jazz Turnbow on drums, and Kit Vanderjagt on bass and vocals.

Stanton Moore Trio – Emphasis! (On Parenthesis)

(October 31, 2008)

Drummer, bandleader and all around cool guy, Stanton Moore and his long time pal’s guitarist, Will Bernard, and keyboardist, Robert Walter are once again together on the Stanton Moore Trio’s latest release Emphasis! (On Parenthesis).

Cindy Blackman – Music for the New Millennium

(July 22, 2008)

Cindy Blackman is a force to be reconed with on the skins. She has a masters touch and paints on a sonic canvass in brilliant colors in her laters release “Music for the New Millennium”. I knew Cindy was a powerhouse having played with the “Who’s- Who” of funk, jazz and rock royalty, but I’ve been putting off this review so that I could keep these CDs… That’s right a double disc set… in my CD player.

Lynam – Tragic City Symphony

(July 16, 2008)

It is always refreshing when I get introduced to a new group through a review. It’s kinda like Christmas each time I go to the mailbox, with the exception of those little gifts wrapped in brown that I wish I could exchange. Lynam knocked my socks off with a great release. I have to go back and check out thier older stuff now. Tragic City Symohony is set to release August 26th, 2008. The whole album is very well produced with more that enough hooky lyrics and grooves to keep you groovin throughout the disc.

Bobby Sanabria – Big Band Urban Folktales

(April 29, 2008)

Bobby Sanabria – Big Band Urban Folktales Drums/Percussion/Vibes: Bobby Sanabria Bobby is a genuine one-man percussion ensemble. “Big Band”, can be fun to listen to… well actually I am a fan of Big Band, but it can be mundane with the standards played with virtually the same interpretations. Bobby’s new album is anything but mundane! The entire disc leans toward the Afro Caribbean side of Big Band, which I think is great. He displays solid musical chops and great arrangements of various tunes including Frank Zappa’z “Grand Wazoo”. I could suck down a few margaritas and listen to this CD all day.

Esperanza Spalding

(April 29, 2008)

Esperanza – Self Titled Drums: Otis Brown, Horacio Hernandez Percussion: Jamey Haddad Bassist virtuoso Esperanza Spalding really shows a developed sense of taste and harmonic texture. At age 20, after graduating from Berklee College of Music, Esperanza became the youngest instructor to join the faculty of the prestigious music school. But enough about bass, let’s get to the drummers. Otis Brown and Horacio Hernandez work the trap kit through this medley of jazz, smooth jazz, fusion, funk and latin inspired tunes. Jamey Haddad accompanies with tasty rhythmic colors every so often displaying the virtuosity that has made him a legend. Although not featured on this album, Jamey is also a monster on the drum set. Killer CD! A must have for any drummer studying finesse and subtle rhythmic texturing.

Some Must Have Paul Wertico Selections

(February 21, 2008)

No matter what level of drumming you currently experience; I think we can all agree that for each of us, there are performers that have struck our imagination, captured our soul, and inspired our musical direction. For me, much of my musical exploration is experienced while driving from here to there, away from distractions of work and home. I can tell you that I still get those chills when a melody or groove strikes me in a way like I’ve just made a discovery. I know that most of you know what I mean; that feeling that takes you right back to the drum throne.

Dream Theater Systematic Chaos

(January 31, 2008)

WOW!! Not since “Images and Words” or “Awake” am I so excited about a new DT release. This dark and enigmatic experience has totally put me under it’s spell. The melodic textures and percussive throws of this album put me in a zen like state. Track Titles include: In the Presence of Enemies Part 1, Forsaken, Constant Motion, The Dark Eternal Night, Repentance, Prophets of War, The Ministry of Lost Souls and In the Presence of Enemies Part 2. Every song features great melodic construction and percussive genius. I thoroughly enjoyed this record and will for years to come.

Next Page »