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The Zone
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Topaz Album Review:
Emphasis on the groove at 2002-01-01
I heard Walkabout on my local Jazz station (WERS)- called the station - got the name of the disc and bought it. This is cool jazz funk with the emphasis squarely on the groove. Definitely not a soloist showcase.
Topaz Album Review:
Good, but only in spots at 2003-06-05
I was rather looking forward to hearing this record after the glowing reviews posted here and after hearing Fat City Strut on the bands website. Unfortunately the promise of Fat City Strut is not borne out on about half the tracks on this record, so I would call this record something of a disappointment. The compositions are just too lightweight, and although the individuals in this band are quite proficient players, the overall sound of this record is just too poppy and smooth for my liking. Certain tracks (I Can See It In You, especially) would not seem out of place in a discotheque, circa 1977.All told, I like about five songs on the record, and they happen to be the ones composed by Topaz himself. What this band really needs is more of a hard edge in their sound; as it is, theyre just some acid jazz softies with a bit of talent.
Topaz Album Review:
Wow, what a trip!!!!! at 2005-07-27
This is one of the most coolest 70s influenced jazz you will come across this era, a really nice attempt, I must admit I was not fully aware of this band or disc but I am so happy I have come across it, what a rare treat, the weird thing is this was released in 2002 and sounds very closely to something that would have come out of the 70s, with the wah pedals and fender rhodes, you cant go wrong here, especially if these are your two favourite instruments because of the wonderful sound they can create, do yourself a favor and introduce yourself to this disc, it will be an acquaintance you will not forget!!!!!
Topaz Album Review:
One of the greatest jazz/porno-funk outfits at 2005-03-12
I felt compelled to write this after reading the good, but only in spots, review, inwhich the album is described as something of disapointment. The jerk-off who wrote that review obviously has no ear for music. This album is 100 proof, pure good ass effing music. Its an amalgam of 70s porn music and modern groove thick funk-jazz. Every song is a winner. Their limited use of vocals such as the In my mind chorus in Minha Mente adds the perfect sprinkle of seasoning to compliment the tight musicianship of the group. The drums, the horns, the funky guitar, everything is tight! This album will have your head bobbing, from the first track to the last. You will not be disapointed.
Topaz Album Review:
topaz: the voice of a new generation at 2006-01-05
its incredible, reallyits possibly the most fun music ive heard, considering pop rock is not much fun anymore. not much fun at all. nope. not even a little.
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Listen!
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Topaz Album Editorial:
Recorded at Phillip Glass#146; old Tribeca studio Listen! the follow up to the acclaimed debut The Shrine is a mixture of rich textures psychedelic grooves inventive composition and intuitive band interplay. It encompasses the future funk of the 1970#146;s with the rhythms of modern day New York. With Listen! Topaz hopes to build on their successes showing the progress of this eclectic and beautiful band.
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Skin
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Topaz Album Editorial:
Erik Friedlander who continues his exploration of jazz textures and contemporary classical improvised and notated music on ISkin is pushing the creative envelope on cello. There have been jazz precedents on his instrument notably Oscar Pettiford and Ron Carter--both better known as bassists. Friedlander is both colorist and soloist working here with a core ensemble of alto saxophonist Andy Laster (who takes the lions share of the CDs solos) bass guitarist Stomu Takeishi and percussionist Satoshi Takeishi. Friedlanders work can be quite percussive as on the title track and he engages the Atlas Cello Quartet to haunting effect on his Skin 1. His original compositions are leavened throughout ISkin with selections from disparate sources including one each from Charles Mingus Julius Hemphill Santana and Henry Mancini. The results are often edgy challenging and ultimately rewarding. Willard Jenkins
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