| CUSTOMER REVIEWS: | 5/5 - Go on a ride with Bona Fide!
In the often pretentious world of Jazz--smooth and otherwise--and music-making (and hyping) in general--Bona Fide gives me hope. I don't think these guys take themselves all too seriously (thank, goodness!) and they actually seem to have a sense of humor. Their sound is warmly infectious and they exude a fun energy.
I wish the smooth jazz stations would play some of the other cuts as well--not just "X-Ray Hip" (Although it is a lot of fun! When I hear it, I feel like these guys are taking me on a rollercoaster ride where you can't stop laughing from the feeling of exhilaration.) Some people may not like this comparison, but the groove of "X-Ray Hip" itself reminds me of a more subtle version of the groove on Rick Astley's dance hit from several years ago--"Never Gonna Give You Up." I'd describe the cuts on this CD as light-funk, groove-oriented, charming "ditties" that will FORCE you to crack a smile--even on your worst day--and shake your booty just a little bit. I wouldn't say the music is ground-breaking or earth-shattering and I'm not going to start worshiping them with daily offerings, but they have produced a well thought out, unpretentious CD with entertaining tracks, that makes me want to sit and listen all the way through. They have their own sound, yet each selection seems to have a distinct personality with variations in rhythms and tempos. I like to play it at work while I'm at the computer. It both relaxes me and keeps me awake at the same time. And, most important, I believe what sets Bona Fide apart from some other smooth jazzer/funksters is that they are able to exude that elusive quality called "having heart"--something hard to find these days. It's not like they're trying to impress you with their incredible soloing or comping skills. They just want to infect you with their brand of groove--and they are quite successful at it. So HATS OFF to Bona Fide! I recommend it to those who like this type of instrumental music. I look forward to seeing them in concert with Boney James in Chicago next month as well as their next CD.
5/5 - WOW!
I bought this CD after hearing X-ray Hip on the radio - I was thankful that the announcer called out the name of the group though it took a bit of luck to search for "Bona Fide" instead of "Bonafide". When buying, I thought that X-ray Hip was worth the price alone and most likely the group that created it had to be good.
The earlier reviewers are very astute - this is pure, beautiful, fun, lively MUSIC first and jazz/funk etc second - no gimmicks, pretentious, self-important show-off BS here - only what the composers felt made sense musically and tasteful.
The piano, the arrangments are all lush, deep, rich, elegant -gorgeous. The saxophone - where used - is equally tasteful - it is played the way it is meant to be - not the irritating way that seems to be on radio all the time of late. This is one serious group and one serious set of composers - I've heard a wide range of music - this ranks among the very best - truly a great find! I hope they can continue in this vein for a while before the inspiration dries-up.
The pluses are many - lots of music here - it may take you a while to appreciate all of it - but well worth it.
My feeling is that they could have done a better job of ordering (sequencing) the numbers - but that's one nit.
Here's my assessment - see below for description of the grades
1. High Street A+
2. Route 40 West A
3. X-ray Hip A+
4. Never say goodbye B+
5. The Avenue A
6. T Bone B+
7. Royal Function B - why is this the CD title?
8. Divine A+ (it is DIVINE - how appropriately named!)
9. The 2 O'clock club A
10. Mo Diddley B+
11. Natty Boh B+
12. The Hippo B+
OVERALL - A+ (3 A+, 3 As, 5 B+, 1 B amazing consistency here)
A+ - worth the CD price alone; will make your all-time lists
A - almost worth the CD price alone
B+ - very good pieces - perhaps A's on other CDs; on this CD
they fall short of being truly great (perhaps due to the
tough comparisons here)
5/5 - Slim Man does it again with Bona Fide
This CD rocks - Slim Man does it again with Bona Fide. I found out about Bona Fide because I am a huge Slim Man fan.
You can groove to this CD all day and crank it in your car. It is a funky fresh sound meeting contemporary jazz - way sophisticated and cool to cruise to.
Bona Fide is great live in concert. The band has a certain energy and flow that is awesome! I heard that X-Ray Hip went number #1 in the charts and is up for a few smooth jazz awards.
Great sound, hope you agree . . . Can't wait till the next CD is out. |
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Wednesday, October 15, 2008
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