Shades of Jade

John Kelman, all about jazz - September 7, 2005
[A] heart-stopping masterpiece.

Jeff Simon, Buffalo News - September 18, 2005
A gorgeous disc.

Shades of Jade

Shades of Jade,Marc Johnson,Ecm Records,Fusion,Jazz,Pop,United States of America

Average customer rating: Calm but no storm Most excellent... Startling!!!! Dream come true! An hour long sonnet just for you to peruse.

Shades of Jade Marc Johnson Manufacturer: Ecm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Day Is Done Goodbye Canvas I Have the Room Above Her Metheny / Mehldau ASIN: B000AMJEH8 Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. Ton Sur Ton
2. Apareceu
3. Shades Of Jade
4. In 30 Hours
5. Blue Nefertiti
6. Snow
7. Since You Asked
8. Raise
9. All Yours
10. Don't Ask Of Me

Customer Reviews:

Calm but no storm.......2006-09-09

There's no three and half stars, and three might be a bit harsh, so it's four stars from me. I feel guilty. I don't like this album as much as I'm supposed to, and in fact hoped I would. I came in expecting to be blown away, but was instead able only to detect a gentle breeze.

These musicians are all seriously good whenever they play, and the compositions are very nice indeed. Love the gospel-ish 'Raise', and there seems to be half a discful of nice ballads. Despite all of the right ingredients being here, I just find this album low on energy. There seems to be little spark happening, and in the end it's kind of anaemic.

Sco is definitely not in top gear at all, and it all seems so polite. Let me say I am a huge ECM fan and love their sonic genius in the studio. I am also an admirer of everyone involved in this project, but this album doesn't move me. It's a very nice album, to be sure, but for me it doesn't deliver the magic that it could have.

Most excellent..........2006-07-05

There's no problem in recommending this CD.
An excellent mix of the past and present sounds of straight ahead jazz.

Startling!!!!.......2006-06-09

Seldom does a group of musicians mesh so completely and beautifully as they do in this recording. It would've been so easy, with this much talent, to get lost in a clinic or exhibit of technique.

Instead this unit, so in tune with each other, play with sensitivity, technique and insight. There are so many moments in this recording where they hold you transfixed. These are original pieces which are quite interesting and on the level of any of the tried and true standards but with a much more modern aesthetic.

The ballads are breathtaking. They have a dark lush beauty. They convey genuine sentiment without being sappy or sacharine. The up pieces have a real sense of swing a firm grasp of the blues.

Everyone shines on this recording for what they bring to this. Each one is so well versed as to give the pieces, just what they need without overplaying at all. Eliane shows that she is an underrated jazz pianists as she is often brilliant here.

Marc Johnson is at the center of it all with that resonanat tone and undertated virtuosity. He is truly one of the underrated bassists and more should know of him. No wonder Bill Evans hired him for his last great trio. Joey Baron is marvelous throughout, propulsive but never intrusive.

The high points in theis recording are "Shades of Jade" which is captivating, mesmerizing. Startling, elegant, poignant are the words that come to mind when I think of this piece. Eliane Elias' is extraordinary on this piece, as is John Scofield who really sets the tone here in many ways. "Apareceu" is a beautiful ballad which shows off Joe Lovano's rich tenor. It has this sense of space, beautiful without being overly lush. Eliane Elias' again leaves us stunned with her playing. "Ton Sur Ton" is a mid tempo piece that has that Monkish quirkiness with interesting harmonics and unison lines. Joey Baron is in fine form here as his drumming really is accents this piece well. He starts out on brushes and switches to sticks about a quarter of the way in. Marc Johnson's walking bass is also a key factor in here as it resonates. "Snow" is another memorable ballad on the level of the title piece and that's saying something. Once again it's Eliane who really gives this piece it's color and texture. It elegantly paces a wistful portrait. The piece literally breathes. "Since You Asked" is an interesting pieces where Mark Johnson exhibits his virtuosity on bass in such a way that makes you reconsider the upright bass as a lead instrument. Melodic and haunting, "Raise is swinging, up beat blues, fun to listen to, good solo work and segues. "All Yours" is another ballad that featuring some beautiful interplay between Eliane, Mark Johnson and Joey Baron. There is real symbiosis here. This is musical conversation at it's height. This is largely a trio piece and it is on a par with the very best trios recorded. No perfunctory accompaniments just BIG EARS and they really listen to one another.

This is one of the best releases this year, bar none. I highly recommend this.

Dream come true!.......2006-04-22

Although this is a Marc Johsnson CD, it is also a collaboration of giants. Although I would never have been able to dream it up all on my own, now that I think of it, it's a rather obvious coming together of like minded talents. The ultimate dream collabo. Marc Johnson has worked for many years with Eliane Elias and features and co-produced many of her brilliant albums. Meanwhile, Joe Lovano has also worked with John Scofield, most remarkably, in my opinion, on the recent Scolohofo "oh!" project with Dave Holland and Al Foster. Indeed, The John Scofield Quartet, which released 1991's "Meant To Be" was made up of Scofield, Lovano, Johnson and drummer Bill Stewart. I wasn't really familiar with either Joey Baron or Alain Mallet before this CD but I will definitely be checking them out now.

"Shades of Jade" is indeed an "ethereal" collection of songs, as one other reviewer described it. Each song offers something different and if you focus in on any of the major players each time you listen to any song, you hear and learn something different. Fantastic stuff! Eliane veers away from the latin-infused melodic playing I'm used to hearing from her and does what piano players are often expected to do in bands - just provide some background and nothing else. John Scofield's sound also seems to be evolving. It's certainly more restrained than the wild wailing sound he used to produce back in the day. But he still remains unmistakable and unique.

My favourites? "Ton Sur Ton", "Shades of Jade", "Snow" and "Raise" but I really love the whole album. I recommend that anyone reading this gives it a go. You will not be disappointed. A must for those lazy summer afternoons or for unwinding on an evening after a stressful day. Just perfect!

An hour long sonnet just for you to peruse........2006-03-13

There are a host of reviews that talk about the music and give you a good idea of it from a technical standpoint. For this reivew, I want to give you a poetic expression of the atmosphere and temperment of this music:

A cool September night in lower New Hampshire,
The forrest is clear and quiet
Leaves are chattering about the day;
The nightbird nestles in the tree singing his song
The water provides a soft pace for the sing-a-long;
The moonlight masks itself across the vast scape
...of the calm and uncovered night.

A door is open in the distance,
The wood and the wind sing a song so soft and gay;

.......twinged with Shades of Jade.


In short, great music to reflect on. In the Miles Davis tradition, there are no liner notes. Everything that needs to be understood is in the music. Enjoy.



Marty Nickison II
author: Beyond The Books
publisher: lulu.com

Average customer rating: Several Shades Of Jade / Breeze From The East ~ Cal Tjader Cal tjader Breeze From the East is a wonderful album -- A Good Beginning for New Cal Tjader Fans

Several Shades Of Jade / Breeze From The East Cal Tjader Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Soul Sauce Latino Latin Kick Los Ritmos Calientes Ultimate Cal Tjader ASIN: B0000047E8 Release Date: 1997-03-25

Tracks:

1. The Fakir
2. Cherry Blossoms
3. Borneo
4. Tokyo Blues
5. Song Of The Yellow River
6. Sahib
7. China Nights (Shina No Yoru)
8. Almond Tree
9. Hot Sake
10. Sake And Greens
11. Cha
12. Leyte
13. Shoji
14. China Nights (Shina No Yoru)
15. Fuji
16. Black Orchid
17. Theme From Burke's Law
18. Star Dust
19. Poinciana
20. East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon)
21. Cha
22. Star Dust

Customer Reviews:

Several Shades Of Jade / Breeze From The East ~ Cal Tjader.......2006-03-15

The idea of "combining" two of Cal Tjaders best album's was a good one, of the two, "Breeze From The East" was Tjader's classic,with the exception of tracks "Burke's Law and Star Dust," the way he played made me feel as if I was somewhere in the "South Pacific" hearing the lapping of the waves on a sun baked beach...Excellent!!

Cal tjader.......2006-02-25

Still great tracks to listen to after my 12" vinyl has long gone. Great to be reintroded to one of the best musicians ever.

Breeze From the East is a wonderful album.......2005-04-12

Thanks to Verve Records (a division of Polygram Classics & Jazz) for remastering these. I bought this CD to replace my LP of Breeze from the East. I understand many critics, and Cal Tjader himself, prefer the "similarly-themed" album Several Shades of Jade, included on this CD. I do like several of "Jade's" nine tunes. But I was surprised to frequently hear a Big Band sound on that album - lots of brass; standard-fare and/or annoying percussion. Those same critics have pointed out faults of "Breeze." But there is a consistent, intriguing mix of instruments and rhythms here that are melded with - and not overpowering of - Cal's vibraphone riffs. A refreshing breeze all the way through.

--.......2004-06-09

Despite being borne out of a period of musical compromise by Tjader, 'Several Shades of Jade' is a fine record. It may not be one of his more individual statements, and in fact, it doesn't even sound like he's the band leader, but the final product - above all the subtext of credits - is smart music.

One feels the presence of Lalo Schifrin, Tjader's collaborator and arranger on the album, more so than Tjader's in the overall aesthetic of the record, and that's not all that surprising when you consider that he wrote four of the songs and employed his orchestra throughout. Having extensive experience scoring films, Schifrin does little to suppress those tendencies even within the setting of a proper jazz recording. He establishes drama and creates shades of sound with his vast arsenal of musicians and instruments that Tjader was unable to achieve with his own small combos. Some would see Schifrin's influence as a watering-down of Tjader's sound - and that may be true on a personal level - but what's wrong with a classy soundtrack album, even if there's no film? What makes it even more interesting is the whole Far East theme, which fits right into Schifrin's style of creating scores for films in exotic locales.

I think the opening track, 'The Fakir', is the most successful song on the record in terms of creating a synthesis of East and West, and it hints at what Herbie Mann would do a few years later on his 'Wailing Dervishes' album. 'Cherry Blossoms' is a really precious ballad, yet sincere. Santana more or less recorded 'Borneo' with rock instruments and called it 'Soul Sacrifice' on their debut record with no credit to Schifrin. Tjader sounds great on 'Tokyo Blues' and 'Song of the Yellow River' is reminiscent of a classic Schifrin chase scene. 'China Nights (Shina No Yoru)' and 'Almond Tree' will appeal to fans of Tjader's more traditional sound, though some horns are present.

The 'Breeze From the East' record should have been titled 'Breeze THROUGH the East' because Tjader and his new collaborator Stan Applebaum apparently didn't spend much time there, judging by the music. Where the 'Several Shades...' album made an attempt to be conscious of traditional music from the Far East and represent it in a dignified manner, 'Breeze From the East' is a cheap postcard put to music. It's the work of tourists - for tourists - and has very little soul. Because Tjader was involved in both projects and the two records were cut six months apart, the difference in quality lies in the collaborators, with Schifrin's skills embarrassing those of Applebaum. It almost sounds like someone told Tjader and Applebaum after the songs were rehearsed that this was going to be an Eastern-flavored record. Many of the songs are quite conventional but suffer from inappropriate patronizing Eastern flourishes that do nothing to enhance either the song or the image of Eastern people. Primary offenders on the 'Breeze...' album are the cringe-inducing 'Cha', 'Shoji', 'Theme From Burke's Law' (what were they thinking?) and the Japanized shlock take on 'Star Dust'. It's somewhat interesting to hear the piano riff from the latin standard 'Mazecote' on 'Poinciana' and 'Black Orchid' is a decent song, though re-recorded, but that's about all there is to recommend for 'Breeze...'

A Good Beginning for New Cal Tjader Fans.......1999-12-31

This CD is a wonderful beginning to those venturing forth into the world of acid jazz, let alone the world of Cal Tjader. My most favorite cuts are "Cherry Blossoms" and "Theme from Burke's Law." These cuts, although diametrically opposed (musically speaking), present just the duality this CD offers. First, the Asian-influenced cuts create a sultry and spicy flavor of music for you to enjoy. The second half offers a more mellow, cocktail party-like atmosphere. No doubt you WILL find favorite cuts among the choice selection "Several/Breeze" offers!

Average customer rating:

From Africa to New York, Vol. 6 Shades of Jade Manufacturer: Absolute Pitch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B000001H4H Release Date: 1997-08-26

Tracks:

1. All Blues
2. Ceora
3. Caravan
4. You Knew
5. City Lights
6. Song For My Father
7. A Night In Tunsia
8. Morning

Average customer rating:

Shades of Jade: Afro-Latin Jazz & Salsa Jerry Burns Manufacturer: Landmark Distributor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000008C7F Release Date: 1996-08-08

Tracks:

1. Pasado Bueno [Mambo]
2. Stalking My Prey [Funk/Cha]
3. Afro Blue [Afro 6/8]
4. Mundo [Bolero]
5. Morality [Jazz/Cha]
6. Silver's Serenade [Mambo]
7. Catalina [Guajira]
8. Viya Olatunji [Afro 6/8]

Average customer rating:

From the Edge, Vol. 4 Shades Of Jade Manufacturer: Absolute Pitch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B000001H4F Release Date: 1996-08-08

Tracks:

1. Maiden Voyage
2. Lovin' In The Livin' Room
3. Three Movements Of S.O.J. : Taylor Sax/Shades Of Stella/Pachanga Bobby
4. Footprints
5. Fresh Air
6. Killer Joe
7. (Untitled)
8. (Untitled)

Average customer rating: Cal History

Shades of Jade, Vol. 5 Shades of Jade Manufacturer: Absolute Pitch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B000001H4G Release Date: 1995-12-12

Tracks:

1. Santo Domingo
2. Rapture
3. Valdez In The Country
4. So Be It
5. Equinox
6. Descarga Moderna

Customer Reviews:

Cal History.......2007-05-15

Talk about revival Cal Tjader did a vinyl disk many years earlier
tittled 'Shades of Jade" way different content.

Average customer rating:

Salsa City, Vol. 3 Shades of Jade Manufacturer: Absolute Pitch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B000001H4E Release Date: 1996-08-08

Tracks:

1. Show Pan - Willie Mullings
2. Salsa City - Willie Mullings
3. Little Miss Laurie - Henry Franklin
4. Little Sunflower - Freddie Hubbard
5. Red Clay - Freddie Hubbard
6. Emotions - Bill Laster
7. Lamento - Willie Mullings

Average customer rating:

Summer Rapture Shades of Jade Manufacturer: Top Ten Hits ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B000008C7G Release Date: 1996-08-08

Tracks:

1. Summer Rapture
2. Aisha
3. Lucero
4. Mambo de los Feliz
5. Carribean Folklore
6. Continental

Pop Music:

1. Shona Folk Melodies
2. Showtime
3. Solid Ground
4. Songs Around the World
5. Straight From the Rez
6. Sya
7. Tambores Cubanos [Import]
8. Tango Club
9. The Very Best of India [Import]
10. Them Can't Hold We

Pop Music