Christian McBride "Vertical Vision"

[Aggie87]

Anybody have this? I picked it up yesterday afternoon. It's very good upon first listen. Includes Ron Blake, Geoff Keezer, and Terreon Gully, as well as David Gilmore on guitar and Danny Sadownick on percussion.

I'm going to see them tomorrow night in concert here in Stuttgart, along with the Gary Burton/Makoto Ozone Duo. Should be a good show. Has anyone else seen them on this tour - if so, how is it?

Christian seems like he's played with just about everyone already - maybe this generation's Ron Carter?

[Aggie87]

Okay, don't everyone come out of the woodwork all at once! :D

At any rate, does anyone know if McBride's touring band is the same as on the recording?

[Joel]

just finished previewing the samples at CDUniverse.

I can just say that its my kind of progressive jazz and this will definitely be on my list.

[jazzypaul]

The first track (technicolor nightmare) and the last track (Boogie Woogie Waltz) are outstanding. The middle 6 tracks...well...Let's just say, it should have been released as a 2 track single.

[Pharaohrock]

This disc got trashed in a number of mags. What the deal? I though the last disc w/the Steely Dan covers was a little lame.....is this more of the same??

[Joel]

Downbeat was the only mag that a browsed which gave this album 2 1/2 stars.

Knowing that this mag is somewhat trad jazz / straight ahead /classic jazz centric....i wasnt really shocked by what that labcoat reviewer stated.

----

Aggie,

I read your post at BN about Parallel Realities, just wanted you to know that the studio album and the DVD are my favorites.

[Aggie87]

The show Friday night was great! And to answer my own question the touring band is the quartet, minus Gilmore & Sadownick.

They opened with Technicolor Nightmare, and it was even more impressive than the studio version, IMO. Afterwards, Christian mentioned that it was inspired by the "rock band Yes" of all things. They also played Wizard of Montara, his tribute to Bobby Hutcherson, and Ballad of Little Girl Dancer. No Boogie Woogie Waltz, unfortunately. They also did covers of "Aja" and "Walking on the Moon" (I would've bet money on a Sting cover, being in his band also), that were nice, but didn't do that much for me.

Ron Blake & Terreon Gully played very well. Blake stuck to the tenor all night, even though he had a soprano and a flute on stage with him. Geoff Keezer was ok, but didn't really get too fired up. He also had some technical problems with his sound early on, but those got cleared up. Christian alternated between acoustic and fretless electric throughout the show, and really grooved.

The other act, Gary Burton & Makoto Ozone, was great also! They sounded a little better, due to the acoustics of the hall (designed for classical, not "louder" jazz). Gary played a number of cuts from his recent tribute album to Red Norvo, Milt Jackson, Cal Tjader, and Lionel Hampton. They also played a few cuts from their Virtuosi disc, as well as a couple from Makoto's latest.

All in all a fun evening. I guess I should have posted this in the "Live Shows" forum! Maybe I'll CnP it.

Joel - I'm really enjoying the Parallel Realities disc. I wish it had been released officially, as I think it would have sold really well. It's made me want to seek out the DVD. And for sure the DeJohnette disc is on my list as well.

-Erik

[Joel]

So youre Erik :) am I talking to a fellow fusionista?

anyway, you just reminded me to use my geek skills in converting my DVD into audio CD.
Its for personal use only, so I hope the artists wouldn't mind.

I really liked their version of Cantaloupe Island and I dont know why they didnt make an audio version of that concert. It was actually better after bringing along Dave Holland.

Thanks for sharing your concert experience.