21 Spices

I'm mystified as to why Daniel Goyone was not involved in this project, or credited on the music.His contributions to the originals for "1-2 Beaucoup" "21 Spices" had to be significant. In any case,I just wanted to give a shout out to Daniel. He provided the melody that transformed the Crazy Saintsline-up into something special. In a way, this album is just a tribute to the best work that band did.The album is worthwhile as a new take on some great old songs. And the recording quality is very high.So it is worthwhile, and it's good for Simon Phillips to raise the profile of this songbook.On the other hand, I think if you pull together the original albums, you will find that they actuallyhave a lot more energy and pace than the Big Band here does. Pick up copies of Usfret/Living Magic/Crazy Saints/Believe. Or if you just want one album, get Bad Habits Die Hard. The Crazy Saints bandwas a band that made a mark similar to the great fusion bands of their era. More people should be awareof their work.Nice to see Trilok get a high-production album as well. This album should help keep some of hisimportant work alive, and make it more accessible to a wider audience.

I admit it: I bought this for Simon Phillips, the world class drummer/composer for the stellar LA team known as Toto. But I wasn't expecting a trip to the future of jazz. This album is a mixture of past and everything in between. An absolute audio ear movie treat for the mind and soul. From the first note, Trilok and company transport you to worlds unseen in jazz, let alone in music. Of course, the music helps you visit the previous worlds of Jazz ( hints of Miles Davis' Sketches of Spain pop up here and there as well as some fusion ala Weather Report ). But this work is original, striking and bold. Even Simon once said ( from Drumhead magazine ) that this music " was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. " Buy this and take a trip to the future. You'll be glad you did. Five stars.

Wow! This recording satisfies on all levels. Trilok's music is brilliantly arranged and masterfully executed on this live set. The NDR Big Band, as always, brings unbelievable virtuosic skill and precision, with very high production values, in a rip roaring, ho holds barred journey. Simon Phillips kicks major butt, and more than delivers the goods in this very demanding setting. There is power, grace, sensitivity, chops, emotion, passion, electricity, depth & cohesion. Trilok Gurtu is a master composer, an unbelievable technician and a genius of versatility. This music truly embodies the concept of jazz based ethnic fusion. Listen to "Kuruk Setra" (dedicated to John McLaughlin), and you'll know what I'm talking about. Unquestionably a desert island disc.

A fiery fusion of a big band, with Eastern influences and killer musicianship, led by the rhythm master Trilok Gurtu. I'd love to know who all the musicians are because the solos CRUSH IT. Bassist is UNREAL, Simon is in the zone, and the composotions are killer. This CD transforms the big band genre. If you enjoyed the Jaco Pastorius Big Band, THIS is the album that SHOULD have been. Amazing. Outstanding.Imagine Shakti with a big band and you may come close.Outstanding!

This CD is full of wonderful music reminiscent of the Weather Report/Jaco Pastorius Big Band sound. This is tight, world music arranged and played at a very high level. The Indian percussive and vocal influences that Trilok Gurtu brings blends wonderfully with Simon Phillips on drums, and the German NDR Big Band. This CD is a mix of studio and live cuts. The torch has been passed, and these musicians have picked it up admirably. Highly recommended.

This album is absolutely amazing! If you're a fan of Simon Phillips you'll want to own this. Trilok Gurtu's playing and writing is superb and this is ear candy from start to finish. All the musicians are top notch and the DDR Big Band smokes. Wonderful blend of "fusion playing" and "fusion genre's" Stunning live performance!

Awesome! Some of the most rhythmically challenging music I've ever heard and yet a great listen, not just a music theory exploration. Simon Phillips must have the arms of an octopus if he can play all that!

Trilok may be my favorite drummer! This band is dynamic!

Bought this on the recommendation of a friend - wow glad I did!I've found myself listening to more and more 70s 80s jazz fusion late Friday and Saturday nights. Weather report, Passport, Stanley Clark, Return to Forever etc. bit of a track down memory lane.Well, this fits right in but when these guys get in a groove - bloody hell! Absolutely sublime and blew my socks off.I'm now finding it a struggle not to over play it.Simply stunning.If this type of music is your thing - highly highly recommended.

Persönlich bin ich kein Freund von Big Band Sounds und daher will ich mich eher zurückhaltend äußern. Was mir anfänglich gefällt, schlägt irgendwann mal in Übersättigung um. An irgendeinem Punkt wird es mir einfach zuviel und die Ohren klappen zu. Ob das mit dieser CD auch so sein wird kann ich nicht sagen. Die Aufnahmequalität ist 1a - meine Anlage liebt die CD - und auch die Stücke selbst finde ich sehr gut und haben mein Ohr noch nicht ermüdet. Zur Kaufentscheidung für diese CD haben die Rezensionen hier von dr.morton(2 Sterne) und Explorer2(5 Sterne) wesentlich beigetragen. Dem was dort geschrieben steht kann ich nichts hinzufügen, die beiden scheinen sich in der Materie sehr gut auszukennen. Mein Fazit: mir gefällts.

Grande disco di jazz fusion con in primo piano: la scintillante NDR Big Band , Trilok Gurtu il percussionista indiano che in questo contestosa esprimersi al meglio , e Simon Phillips la ciliegina sulla torta di questo album riuscitissimo. Arrangiamenti strepitosi. Peccato che cd come questosiano ormai eccezioni. Qualita del vinile buona.

I'm a big Trilok fan, check out "The John McLaughlin Trio" in London! This album is mostly live with excellent playing and writing I was not disappointed. A little more "outside" at times but excellent none the less and also a very good recording sonically.Greg B.

Muy bien todo perfecto gracias