Standard of Language

Standard of Language

ASIN: B000084T3U

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Deep into this album is the track "Just a Second to Catch My Breath." It could've been the album title as Garrett unleashes a torrid state of the saxophone address with this no-holds-barred, high-energy session, and he doesn't slow down until the aforementioned ballad, track seven. With the exception of the semi world-beat groove of "Native Tongue," this record couldn't be more unlike Garrett's 2002 album, Happy People, if they were recorded a decade apart. Amazingly, most of these tunes were recorded the same time as his prior record, during the week of September 11, 2001. These are the tracks where Garrett's very capable musicians let go and vented their emotions of that time through their instruments. With producer Marcus Miller, Garrett crafted a record to market with Happy People; on Standard of Language, he and Miller make a statement to add to the jazz lexicon. It's very hard not to draw comparisons to the great John Coltrane Quartet here as Garrett seems to be searching spiritually with his horns and his tone on soprano is rapidly approaching the master range of, say, Wayne Shorter. There's also a serious Miles Davis vibe as "Kurita Sensei" rhythmically references Davis's version of "Footprints," and Charnett Moffett does a dead-on Paul Chambers-styled bowed bass solo on "XYZ." This could be one of the best jazz records of the year. --Mark Ruffin

Product Description
Critically acclaimed Kenny Garrett, winner of the 2002 Jazz Times Readers' Poll for alto sax, leads his scorching new quartet for the second straight album. 9 tracks. Warner Bros. 2003.

Standard of Language,Kenny Garrett,Warner Bros / Wea,Free Funk,Hard Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop,Post-Bop,Swing

Average customer rating:

FAVORITE KENNY GARRETT RECORDING

Too Intense A Standard

NOW you're speaking my language!

Best of 2003.

Superjazz

Standard of Language
Kenny Garrett
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
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Songbook

Beyond the Wall

Pursuance: The Music of John Coltrane

Happy People

Triology

ASIN: B000084T3U
Release Date: 2003-03-11

Tracks:

What Is This Thing Called Love
Kurita Sensei
XYZ
Native Tongue
Chief Blackwater
Doc Tone's Short Speech
Just A Second To Catch My Breath
Gendai
Standard Of Language I II III

Amazon.com

Deep into this album is the track "Just a Second to Catch My Breath." It could've been the album title as Garrett unleashes a torrid state of the saxophone address with this no-holds-barred, high-energy session, and he doesn't slow down until the aforementioned ballad, track seven. With the exception of the semi world-beat groove of "Native Tongue," this record couldn't be more unlike Garrett's 2002 album, Happy People, if they were recorded a decade apart. Amazingly, most of these tunes were recorded the same time as his prior record, during the week of September 11, 2001. These are the tracks where Garrett's very capable musicians let go and vented their emotions of that time through their instruments. With producer Marcus Miller, Garrett crafted a record to market with Happy People; on Standard of Language, he and Miller make a statement to add to the jazz lexicon. It's very hard not to draw comparisons to the great John Coltrane Quartet here as Garrett seems to be searching spiritually with his horns and his tone on soprano is rapidly approaching the master range of, say, Wayne Shorter. There's also a serious Miles Davis vibe as "Kurita Sensei" rhythmically references Davis's version of "Footprints," and Charnett Moffett does a dead-on Paul Chambers-styled bowed bass solo on "XYZ." This could be one of the best jazz records of the year. --Mark Ruffin

Album Description

Critically acclaimed Kenny Garrett, winner of the 2002 Jazz Times Readers' Poll for alto sax, leads his scorching new quartet for the second straight album. 9 tracks. Warner Bros. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

FAVORITE KENNY GARRETT RECORDING.......2007-04-16

Wow this album is absolutely amazing. I found out about Kenny Garrett roughly a year ago through a friend. The first album of his that I picked up was Black Hope. That album is great but none of his recordings compare to Standard of Language. This album is absolutely gorgeous, in a musical sense. It is soooo intense at times and it is so relaxing at others. These songs WILL stick into your head. especially XYZ and Gendai. Wow those are amazing songs, I love them so much that I want to put it together in my quartet. This album is a must have, definitely one of my favorite jazz recording, definitely one of the best jazz recordings to date. you MUST buy this.

Too Intense A Standard .......2007-03-16

I purchased this after hearing Garrett on Woody Shaw's SOLID and reading a very favorable review in the Penguin Guide to Jazz. STANDARD is certainly an impressive effort, with a lot of talent on display. Garrett is a fine alto sax player, clearly influenced (at least here and on PURSUANCE, which I prefer over this one) by John Coltrane, but with his own style. He gets kudos for writing most of these songs and co-producing the album. However, for me, there is way too much emphasis on technique (and overall effect--maybe in response to the 9/11 attacks?), while melody, group interplay, and beauty are shortchanged. I do enjoy a couple of the slower numbers, but overall this has not been an especially enjoyable listening experience--and I've given it several tries. I love Garrett's playing on SOLID (see above), but am ready to trade this one in.

NOW you're speaking my language!.......2005-02-10

It seems so long ago that Kenny Garretts stunning masterpiece "Songbook" established him as the definitive new voice in straight-ahead jazz. It was actually only 8 years ago.
His last few efforts is what made it SEEM so much longer ago. Somehow he found himself mired in the "smooth jazz zone", a place were no self respecting true jazz musician should ever find themselves.

I do realize that people do have to eat and pay the bills so I guess it's understandable to forgive Kenny Garrett for kicking out a few radio-friendly, cookie-cutter, psuedo jazz CD's that will sell in mass quantities. But guess who back?

Standard of Language is not only a return to form to Kenny Garrett, but may perhaps be his finest moments. I originally reserved that title for his "Pursuance" Coltrane tribute CD with support from Pat Methany...but this one is gaining on it fast!

This starts out hard-boping and never lets up...culminating with a stunning 12 minute, 4 movement opus...a minature Love Supreme if you will.

Personally my favorite tracks are 3,5 and particularly 8 where drummer Chris Dave makes you forget that Kenny used to employ Jeff "Tain" Watts...one of the best in the business.

If you enjoyed Songbook and Pursuance...then this is the CD for you. If you, on the other hand, preferred the lite fare of his last couple releases...then you better stay away and just pick up the latest Boney James or Rick Braun.

Best of 2003........2004-07-20

Standard of Language is a wonderfully made CD and possibly Kenny Garrett's best work. I thought his Coltrane CD was great, but this CD is no doubt full of passionate, creative, and expansive music. After first listen I was thrown back in my chair and immediately concluded, "this is the best jazz cd of 2003". How this CD was overlooked at the Grammys is beyond thought. When you hear the pieces on this set, you automatically can feel KG truly wanting to cement himself as one of the true modern jazz giants of today...and you know what?...he is just that! My favorite tracks are "Gendai" and the perfectly structured "Doc Tone's Short Speech. Put this one in the jazz collections immediately.

Superjazz.......2004-05-03

It was of course killin. However, it seemed like another "Superjazz" record from the 80's to me. I only say that because I love Kenny's playing. I feel like it lacked a genuine vibe. A once or twice listen for me.

Average customer rating:

Standard of Language
Kenny Garrett
Manufacturer: Wea/Warner
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000896M1
Release Date: 2003-03-24

Tracks:

What Is This Thing Called Love?
Kurita Sensei
Xyz
Native Tounge
Chief Blackwater
Doc Tone's Short Speech
Just a Second to Catch My Breath
Gendai
Standard of Language I II III

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music