What You Hear Is What You Get

Category: Music Average customer rating: Media: Audio CD Number Of Discs: 1 UPC: 804663493021 EAN: 0804663493021 ASIN: B0000696HT Release Date: 2002-03-22

Listmania:

1. 15 Phat New School Jazz/Funk Albums

Tracks:

1. Another Joe
2. What You Hear Is What You Get
3. The Governor
4. Funky Good Time
5. Turn n' Point
6. Matter of Time
7. Get n' It
8. Money
9. Breez

Customer Reviews:

What You Hear IS What You Get.......2002-07-24

In the 1970s Melvin played with such jazz greats as Jimmy McGriff, Jack McDuff and Lou Donaldson. Back then he was a "session player," receiving a flat fee for his recordings - no royalties or kickbacks regardless of how popular his songs would later become. Now 56 years old, Melvin's sound can be held responsible for much of the jamband phenomena occurring today. Bands like Greyboy Allstars who helped to revive acid jazz in the late 1990s can be linked back to the intense and quick-paced riffs of Melvin's guitars.

From 1996 to 1998 Melvin played often with the Greyboy Allstars, redefining jazz and funk as it entered the 21st century. With over 120 joint recordings and 8 solo projects under his belt, Melvin decided in 2001 that it was time to make his own music again. Recorded in just three days outside of New York City in December of 2001, What You Hear is What You Get was born. This endeavor could mark the first time in Melvin's 30-plus year career that he might actually reap the benefits of his timeless yet everchanging musical contributions.

This album experiments with rock and roll, blues, jazz, boogaloo, funk and soul all in under an hour. The talent that Melvin has gathered to make this small piece of musical history blends traditional jazz legends with new artists like Topaz, the up and coming Tenor saxophonist from NYC. Melvin shines brighter than ever in this testament to the roots of acid jazz.

* * * *

"Another Joe" kicks off the disc with an upbeat and clever mix of Melvin on both rhythm and lead guitar. You can almost see his smiling face as his speed increases and Carter McLean pounds out a funky drum beat behind him. This tune has all of the passion and energy of a live show with the precision of a studio recording.

In, "What You Hear Is What You Get," Melvin's speed never slows beneath the sultry sax of Joe Hrbek and the flying electric bass of Tim Luntzel. This is acid jazz at its finest. It is reckless but defined, spontaneous but right on time. George Papageorge's unbelievable B3 contributions fuel the fire during this heated tune.

Melvin hands the reins over to the B3 master for, "The Governor," a tune written by George Papageorge. This heavy song slow the party down a bit while adding layers of down-home funk to the disc. Topaz's deep and soulful sax solos mirror Melvin's high energy guitar and give the body something to move to.

Once "The Governor" has loosened the mood, James Brown's "Funky Good Time" jumps right in to tighten it back up. Melvin's vocals prove that he still has what it takes to sing the Godfather of Soul, Topaz's influence is heavy, and George Papageorge stays prominent in the background. It is a rendition that does the classic much justice as Joe Hrbek gets as funky as the Horny Horns themselves.

"Turn N' Point" is aptly named. This tune comes at an important point during the disc, giving the listener a chance to catch his/her breath while keeping ears perked through sophisticated solos and unpredictable moments. Melvin's stamina is beautifully illustrated here as he, Joe Hrbek, and George Papageorge take turns in the spotlight.

Once Reuben Wilson joins in for "Matter of Time," it becomes a 70s party allover again. Wilson's powerful B3 riffs make the disc an instant "must have." Reuben and Melvin play with and off each other with unbelievable ease, leading right into one another's solos without missing a beat. It is musical synergy at its best.

"Get N' It" is raw and real. It is light but deep all at once, bouncing off the album with unstoppable energy while remaining mellow and jazzy at the core. Joe and Melvin balance each other nicely here, while Reuben steps in occasionally to shake it up.

Incorporating Barnett Strong's "Money" onto Melvin's first solo economic venture is brilliance. While a financial risk, the end result is worth its weight in gold already. Reuben Wilson and Topaz play integral parts in this classic tune which fuses jazz with blues and rock and roll. Melvin's vocals are strong and impressive throughout the song, matched by his swift and furious guitar playing.

Slowing it down at the end, "Breez" leaves a beautiful memory once the disc is through. It sums up the 60 minutes of music into one mellow jazz tune that represents the gamut of Melvin's accomplishments. It is a bold reminder of the many influences that Melvin has had and will continue to have on guitar as well as music in general.

A master of our time.......2002-06-26

Music CD:

1. In This World ~ Charles Pillow
2. Five ~ Dave Douglas String Group
3. Sonny Side ~ Ken Peplowski
4. Straight from the Gate ~ The Headhunters
5. Don't Stop the Carnival ~ Sonny Rollins
6. Live ~ Pete Escovedo
7. Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra ~ The Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra
8. Sonny's Dream (Birth of the New Cool) ~ Sonny Criss Orchestra
9. 88 Basie Street ~ Count Basie Orchestra
10. Ghettos of the Mind ~ Bama: Village Poet

Music CD

Music CD

Music CD

Fame ~ Gza/Genius

Islands ~ King Crimson

Motherscratcher ~ Ed Hall

23 Trax of Max (1965-1982) ~ Max Merritt

Realistic ~ Ivy

In Moderation ~ 8stops7

Linda Lawley ~ Linda Lawley

The Decline Of Western Civilization (1981 Film) ~ Various Artists

Spit ~ Stretch Armstrong Presents

It's the Pee ~ PMD