Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The Andy Pizzo Project
Bouncin’
The mix of live and studio recordings in this CD makes for a good introduction to this jazz-tinged funk outfit. Pizzo’s trombone occupies center stage throughout most of the record, but never really overtakes the burbling funk bliss of the band. Like all things funk, the live recordings, captured from a night at SoGo Live, really bring the best out in the music. The extended showcase piece “All Blues” in particular along with the experimental “Why?” mix up this recording to keep it from being the usual funk soundtrack album. Less successful are the vocal numbers like “Boogie Bus” and their version of “When You’re Smiling.” Less talk and more rock, please! Pizzo’s voice and barker deliver comes off as thin, but he more than makes up for it with his barn burning trombone on the techno-tinged “Just Do It” and the urbane swing of the title track.
Comments
Posted by LSUGirl1976 on February 12, 2007 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
While I agree that the tunes "All Blues" and "Why" were both great pieces on this album, I can't believe that other equally, if not better, songs weren't mentioned in this review. "Diane", "Manhattan" and "Blues For Ben" are all amazing in their own distinct ways. "Diane" provides the listener with a soulful combination of trombone and trumpet. In turn, it is nicely offset by the heavier hitting "Blues For Ben" which, with its unique use of effects and intricate solos, makes it a definite stand-out. "Manhattan" features Andy's musical talents creatively mixed with those of fellow trombonist Mark Mullins, another extremely gifted musician. The harmonies that these two produce, along with the big-city sound and intelligently funky groove provided by the rest of the band, makes "Manhattan" a stand out tune on this album.
Posted by billtone on May 14, 2007 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you ask me, the talented keyboardist is the base of the funk. Matt Doran plays with some of the best artists in town and is unsung hero on recordings from Chris Leblanc, Andy Pizzo, Michael Ward, and Tom Coerver. He backs up Kirk Holder, New World Funk and Phat Hat as well as Wes Anderson. Matt's a busy guy and any band that has him has the mojo!
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