Crunch Time

Crunch Time

Crunch Time

ASIN: B00000I8ZL

Editorial Reviews
From Jazziz
Classic soul-jazz, once given the R.I.P. treatment, has crawled from its grave in recent years, raiding the grooves of Medeski, Martin & Wood, showing up in samples manipulated by hip-hoppers, and coloring modern-jazz projects by the likes of Javon Jackson. The sound - saturday night's fish fry bumping into sunday-morning services - has long been the cornbread and butter, if you will, of saxophonist Hank Crawford and Hammond B-3 master Jimmy McGriff. With Crunch Time, that couple is back together for their seventh collaboration in 13 years.

Joined by fatback drummer Bernard Purdie and guitarists Melvin Sparks and Cornell Dupree on various tracks, the pair regularly cross and straddle that sacred-profane divide. They slide into action with Crawford's shuffling "Bow Legs," a showcase for the Memphis native's expressive alto - sometimes wailing, sometimes barking, nearly always subject to being mistaken for a vocal cry. And they send listeners home with Horace Silver's "The Preacher," as the Philadelphia-born McGriff's gospel-blues organ intro sets up the unison and harmony lines of his bandmates.

There's plenty of preaching in between, including "Don't Deceive Me (Please Don't Go)," as sultry a ballad as you'll find this side of closing time at the juke joint; the sing-song testifying of Clifford Brown's "Sandu" (notice Sparks' hint of "St. Thomas"); and the McGriff-penned title track, earthy and swinging mean. Also worked into the sermon are a lightly funked take on Marvin Gaye's hit "What's Going On" and a moody, slow-moving version of "Without a Song" that wouldn't be out of place at a tent revival. Call us converted.

--- Philip Booth, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Crunch Time,Hank Crawford & Jimmy McGriff,Milestone,Hard Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop,R&B,Soul-Jazz
Time Crunch
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • NO GUITAR!?!.......WHO CARES!!!
  • Incredible!
  • Good.
  • Along with "High Bias" the best effort by Niacin ...
  • Furious Fusion!
 Time Crunch
Niacin
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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  1. Organik
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  3. Deep
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ASIN: B00005Y1TJ
Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

  1. Elbow Grease
  2. Time Crunch
  3. Stone Face
  4. Red
  5. Invisible King
  6. Daddy Long Leg
  7. Hog Funk
  8. Glow
  9. Damaged Goods
  10. Outside Inside Out
  11. Blue Wind

Amazon.com

A fast, fluid, fun, and out-of-the-box jazz/fusion exploration, Time Crunch features the immense talents of bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, Talas, David Lee Roth), keyboardist John Novello (Chick Corea, Andy Summers), and drummer Dennis Chambers (George Clinton, Stanley Clarke). Their pedigrees are as impressive as the intricate instrumental odyssey they travel though as Niacin. The triumvirate's fifth outing is full of rich, jazzy, classic-rock-influenced explorations that also have sensual and sonorous sides. Fans of progressive rock will enjoy the covers of King Crimson's moody, ominous "Red" and Jan Hammer's elaborate and memorable "Blue Wind." With the exception of the gentle and reflective "Glow" (which is dedicated to Novello's late wife), the disc's 11 intense and impressive tracks possess a sense of fun and lightness that won't scare off jazz newbies. --Katherine Turman

Album Description

Supergroup Niacin's 2002 release on Magna Carta is the incredible (and critically embraced) "Time Crunch" - 11 new tracks from 3 of the heaviest hitters in music today. Billy Sheehan lays down the overall vibe for the project: "Well, a lot of the songs that I contributed, I wrote around bass lines, which is kind of cool. It adds a little bit of a different structural quality to the songs, or structural lack of quality if you prefer (laughs). With my writing contributions in the past, I would work with John in his studio. But this time I wrote a lot of stuff in my own studio, so I had to do my own drum tracks as demos, for Dennis to work from. So some of the stuff I put into the computer as drum tracks made sense when you listened to them, but they were kind of impossible for a human being to actually play. But Dennis, being true to what we expect of him, played them anyways (laughs). He did some amazing drum transitions and grooves, which I really would challenge a lot of other players to be able to do at all and still make them sound smooth. He really did an amazing job. And of course the record overall is just a little bit heavier and aggressive than we had gone before, a little bit more toward progressive rock than the fusion or jazz direction. We definitely went more towards some of our late '60s, early '70s prog rock roots, people like King Crimson, PFM, Gentle Giant, early Genesis and of course, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, a classic B-3 band, and one we often get compared to. Both John and I as writers have many, many influences. We've both gone in many directions in our years of playing. And a good part of that is that you have a big bag of tricks to pull from. So we have a lot of things that we can reference or use as inspiration." Fans of progressive rock will enjoy the covers of King Crimson's moody, ominous "Red" and Jan Hammer's elaborate and memorable "Blue Wind."

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars NO GUITAR!?!.......WHO CARES!!!.......2007-06-15

Yes, I usually prefer my Prog/ Fusion with a generous helping of guitar, however, these gentlemen have released yet another great disc that proves it can be done sucsessfully with immpecable taste and energy. I first heard of Niacin while attending the 2000' NAMM show in Anaheim, CA. (Wow!....what an experience,,,,but thats a whole nother' story). Anyway, my travelling companion and I had the opportunity to attend a handful of "after hours" concert shows and clinics, of which Niacin was the 'hands-down' highlight of the whole weeklong "adventure". My friend and I, both being longtime drumming buds, had both heard of Dennis Chambers, along with a handful of his recorded works.....well neither of us were prepared for the full-on assault that these boys dished out that night. Not only did they play all of their self-titled debut album, but also wonderful renditions of DL Roth's "ShyBoy", Van Halen's "Mean Streets" and Weather Report's "Birdland".....absolutely Astonishing playing from all involved.....my friend and I were still 'reeling' from the whole experience for literally weeks after.

As for "Time Crunch", I will say upfront that it is the bands 'High Watermark' thus far (thought I haven't heard "Organik" yet). The guys have really notched-up their compositions, as well as their individual playing level with each sucsessive release. Dennis is an ever evolving 'Monster' that can't be stopped and needs no other words of praise; Billy continues to propel this band with a bombastic, almost unorthodox style that fits the music like a glove; and John, he has given me much more of an interest and respect for the wonderful Hammond Organ sounds.....he plays with a fresh style that still pays tribute to the masters of the instrument. To me, there are no dull, out of place songs here----every tune is top-notch, high energy funk/ fusion....including the nice covers of "Blue Wind" and "Red". By the end of the opening song, "Elbow Grease", I felt like I had been 'Spanked' by three Fathers-of-Fusion who have something to prove....very few artists are producing agressive, In-your-Face, "Old-School" Jazz-Rock like these guys (CAB being the only one that immediately comes to mind, and, consequently, Mr. Chambers is part of that collaboration as well).

Bottom line.....another winner for Niacin. They continue to inspire me with each new release on many different levels....I await their next release. If you enjoy 'Real-Deal' agressive Prog/Funk/Fusion in the style of Mahavishnu Orchestra, Herbie Hancock, ELP and the like, get your hands on everything this band has produced. BTW, if you seek the visual aspect of this band, I would encourage you to pick up the DVD "Live in Toyko" as well....they don't dissapoint!


5 out of 5 stars Incredible!.......2006-09-25

Let me start out saying that I'm a guitarist, and it doesn't bother me in the least that there's no guitar on this!

I'd heard of Niacin, but didn't really bother to listen to them until I'd read an interview in Keyboard Player magazine. Once I heard some samples, I was hooked.

The influences of ELP, Yes, King Crimson, Mahavishnu, RTF, etc. are obvious, but these boys go way beyond imitation. If you like Progressive Rock or Fusion Jazz even slightly, this is the CD for you!

5 out of 5 stars Good........2003-09-28

A lot of people think Niacin is something that is in their cereal, but it's not. It's a band.

4 out of 5 stars Along with "High Bias" the best effort by Niacin ..........2003-03-22

Well this album could be a classic fusion stuff from the USA in the future, even though their debut album was more progressive oriented ...anyway They have been able to make a remarkable tribute to King Crimson ("Red" era), by means of a stunning version of the title track from the "mythical" album with Bruford and Wetton...so it's clear that their fusion stuff sometimes steers towards the 70's classic prog, expecially regarding the clever use of the Hammond organ by John Novello and the excellent creative bass guitar as well, by Billy Sheehan ...well this issue is perhaps the best effort so far, along with "High Bias", and it seems it fits into such fusion prog perfectly, being suitable for live executions with improvisational stuff!!

Recommended fusion prog, even though is not equal for instance to "Romantic Warrior" by Return to Forever...nevermind Niacin could produce some clever and excellent music-like that one by RTF- in the future!!

5 out of 5 stars Furious Fusion!.......2002-12-27

What do you get when you combine the complexity of jazz, the grooviness of funk, and the drive of rock and roll? The answer is Niacin, and their latest album, "Time Crunch" is thrilling fusion of the highest order.

First things first. These guys can play. Niacin is the ultimate "power trio". Even bands like Rush and Primus, talented as they are, could surely take some lessons from these guys. On your first inspection of the CD, you may notice that there is no guitarist to be found here. Well, don't despair, because once you hear the great John Novello in action, you will undoubtedly forget all about it. This guy is an incredible keyboardist, seamlessly combining upbeat Hammond organ, melodic piano, and shredding solos. Billy Sheehan makes for a great companion. Often called the "Eddie Van Halen of bass", he surely lives up to his name. He shreds, taps, grooves, and all on a 4-string bass. And then we have Dennis Chambers. What a drummer. Insanely complex, inhumanly fast, and on top of that, he can hold some pretty sick grooves. Many of the best drummers are all flash and no groove, but not Chambers. He's one of the grooviest drummers I've ever heard, as well as the most technically proficient. Another thing I like about his playing is that he never "overplays". Meaning, for all the amazing stuff he does on the kit, he never sounds like he's pushing himself, or playing to his full potential. Take that for what it's worth, but I think that really says something.

Now, onto the music. I think this album is excellent from start to finish. It starts off with a bang, with the energetic "Elbow Grease", and never lets up from there. "Stone Face" is a bit more laid-back, with some nice upbeat piano work, and "Glow" and "Invisible King" are more soft and peaceful, but aside from those three songs, it's pretty much nonstop jamming. "Daddy Long Leg" is certainly worth a mention. It features jaw-dropping solo spots from all three members, and "Damaged Goods" and "Outside Inside Out" have some pretty wicked solos as well. And, of course, the cover of King Crimson's classic instrumental, "Red" is definitely another highlight. Novello's keyboards are a perfect match for Robert Fripp's guitar work, and Chambers puts the great Bill Bruford to shame. It has a bit of a different feel than the rest of the album, but I'd say it fits in just fine.

If you're a fan of jazz, fusion, or any kind of instrumental music, I'd say this is definitely worth checking out. It may seem a bit uniform at first, but the subtle nuances in the music keep the songs interesting throughout. This may be difficult to get into for those who aren't a fan of technical music, but if that's what you're into, you can't afford to pass this up.
Crunch Time
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Yes!
  • Big, Bad, Boss Jazz/Soul/R&B/BLUES..w/gravy
  • Solid
  • Great Stuff
 Crunch Time
Hank Crawford & Jimmy McGriff
Manufacturer: Milestone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
Hard BopHard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
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Soul-Jazz & BoogalooSoul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000I8ZL
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

  1. Bow Legs
  2. It's All Good
  3. Don't Deceive Me (Please Don't Go)
  4. Sandu
  5. Crunch Time
  6. What's Goin' On
  7. Without A Song
  8. The Preacher

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Yes!.......2006-02-03

The groove is perfect here. One of my favorite organ trio records of all time.

4 out of 5 stars Big, Bad, Boss Jazz/Soul/R&B/BLUES..w/gravy.......2003-09-10

Hank Crawford and Jimmy McGriff know just how to groove. With Bernard Purdie laying down the blues, the shuffle, and the pop; and both Melvin Sparks cookin', and (a personal favorite) Cornell Dupree twangin' up the joint, this is another one to put on when you're ready to open up the jug - get the thing rollin'...and simply dig in for the night. Nothing complicated here - just finger poppin', toe tappin', groove music...with gravy.

4 out of 5 stars Solid.......2000-10-09

Another strong release by Hank Crawford and Jimmy McGriff. "It's all Good" swings the hardest. Nobody can shuffle like Bernard Purdie!

5 out of 5 stars Great Stuff.......2000-05-07

When you're in the mood for some straight-ahead jazz with an r & b groove, you go to Hank Crawford and Jimmy McGriff. This is head boppin', toe tappin' music that never stops swinging. Has Bernard "Pretty" Purdie been on a thousand hit records, or what? While he keeps the time, Cornell Dupree or Melvin Sparks supply some burning guitar that more than keeps up with Hank's soulful alto and that big Hammond B-3 sound of Jimmy. This is some real "in the pocket" great stuff!
Crunch Time A soundmynz compilation
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Crunch Time A soundmynz compilation

    Manufacturer: Soundmynz Entertainment
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD
    ASIN: B0006BK5ZS
    Crunch Time
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Crunch Time
      Hank Crawford
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B0000562QR
      Crunch Time
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Fusion Axe Lovers Take Note!
      		 Crunch Time
      Susan Band Weinert
      Manufacturer: Selec
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B00000AVLO
      Release Date: 1994-06-18

      Tracks:

      1. Don't Try That Again, M.F.
      2. Hopeless Case
      3. Don't You Guys Know Any Nice Songs?
      4. One For George
      5. Member Of The Syndicate
      6. The Crown
      7. He Knows
      8. Pacific Palisades
      9. Maybe
      10. Guess Who Called

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Fusion Axe Lovers Take Note!.......2002-07-11

      For rockiný jazz fusion and passionate jazz guitar, Germanyýs Susan Weinert, has my vote
      as the genreýs reigning queen -- Jane Getter being hot on her heels. Weinert is explosive, versatile,
      power-punching, inventive, brazen yet warmly soulful in a multitude of sensuous chops and
      furious licks. Be it phrasings, timing sense, instrument voicings, technical soundness, or overall
      song structure -- Weinert is top notch. No argument with this statement is even remotely possible.
      Weinert on guitar and guitar synth is joined by Martin Weinert on killer bass. He plays a
      full, melodic, funked groove of tight bounch and supreme heaviness. Hardy Fischötter slays the
      drums in precise devastation. Oliver Heuss guests on great keys.
      From the opening cut, ýDonýt try that again, M.F.ý to ýMaybeý the ride of ten sonic treats
      never fails to satisfy. This is a 12+ on a 1-10 scale of ýLame to Awesomeý. Yow!
      Crunch Time by the Susan Weinert Band pulls out all the stops! Weinert wails and
      lets "edge" be edge. She makes you sit up and take notice. Her riffs are mean and slick and will
      make a lot of jazz fusion fans say, "Whoa baby, this lady can flat out jam!" Fans of Tribal Tech
      and Hendersonic pyrotechnics will love this.
      This may be a 1994 release but hey -- great music is ageless, so seek this one out today!
      Highest recommendations! ~ John W. Patterson, EER-MUSIC.com
      Time Crunch
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Time Crunch
        Niacin
        Manufacturer: Video
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B00005NS6P
        Release Date: 2001-09-21

        Tracks:

        1. Elbow Grease
        2. Time Crunch
        3. Stone Face
        4. Red
        5. Invisible King
        6. Daddy Long Leg
        7. Hog Funk
        8. Glow
        9. Damaged Goods
        10. Outside Inside Out
        11. Blue Wind
        Crunch Time
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		Crunch Time
          Rhythm Collision
          Manufacturer: Stiff Pole Records
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          PunkPunk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          Hardcore & PunkHardcore & Punk | Live Albums | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B0000020W3
          Release Date: 1998-02-24

          Tracks:

          1. Red Champagne
          2. Burning Bridges
          3. Clobberer!
          4. Freak
          5. Jumpstart
          6. Hippie Now
          7. Cheers
          8. Too Long
          9. G.W.P.H.
          10. Bombs For You
          11. Underground
          12. After Hours
          13. Surf Song
          14. Happy As A Clam
          15. She Drives Me Crazy
          16. Pictures On My Wall
          17. Should Have Known
          18. Suspect Device
          19. Jack
          Crunch Time
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		Crunch Time
            Major Factors
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD
            ASIN: B000T6BBAS

            Product Description

            1 Crunch Time 2 Ride 3 Dope Boy Fresh 4 N the Zone 5 Holly Wood 6 Just a Game 7 Pimpin 8 Half Steppin 9 Gotta Get My Chesse 10 4 Ever Ballin 11 Stupid Silly Dumb 12 Twistin 13 Hella Extrard
            About Time
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              		About Time

              Manufacturer: 24track.com
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

              GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
              Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
              RockRock | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
              ASIN: B00007JNXD
              Release Date: 2002-11-29

              Tracks:

              1. Install
              2. Smiles
              3. Just another day
              4. Loopization
              5. 7-2
              6. Floored
              7. Cova
              8. Slide Time
              9. Fly away
              10. She's looking
              11. Take time
              Crunch Time
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                		Crunch Time
                Rhythm Collision
                Manufacturer: Cargo Germany
                ProductGroup: Music
                Binding: Audio CD

                GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
                GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
                GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
                GeneralGeneral | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music
                ASIN: B000066RLQ
                Release Date: 2002-05-21

                Tracks:

                1. Red Champagne
                2. Burning Bridges
                3. Clobberer!
                4. Freak
                5. Jumpstart
                6. Hippie Now
                7. Cheers
                8. Too Long
                9. G.W.P.H.
                10. Bombs For You
                11. Underground
                12. After Hours
                13. Surf Song
                14. Happy As A Clam
                15. She Drives Me Crazy
                16. Pictures On My Wall
                17. Should Have Known
                18. Suspect Device
                19. Jack

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