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| |  | |  |  | | Manhattan-born pianist Rachel Z regards veteran saxophonist Wayne Shorter as a genius, whose music "creates a glimpse into the mystical beauty and nature of life" and offers a "reflection of the life condition of enlightenment and love." Z, the disciple, honors her teacher lovingly and imaginatively on this straight-ahead tribute to Shorter's talents as a composer. Z, whose approach to classical studies at age 15 was transformed when she heard Shorter's music on Miles Smiles, was recruited by Shorter to handle orchestrations for his Grammy-winning 1995 contemporary jazz release, High Life. Here, Z addresses 11 of Shorter's works in a trio setting, joined by bassist Miriam Sullivan (whose credits include work with Wynton Marsalis and Lionel Hampton) and drummer Allison Miller. Recorded on two-track, their approach is refreshingly spare, earnest, and spirited, making lasting lyrical impressions with their winning interpretations of "Black Nile," "Three Marias," and a sagaciously swinging "Witch Hunt." A night-and-day departure from her smooth-jazz disc Love Is the Power, On the Milky Way Express has such intelligent playing that it's simultaneously serene and alert, a lesson in composition taught by Shorter and clearly absorbed by his student. --Terry Wood | | | | |
| | | | | Disc 1
- Pinocchio
- El Gaucho
- Fall
- Footprints
- Dolores
- Iris - Rachel Z, Davis, Miles
- Black Nile
- Witch Hunt
- Black Swan in Memory of Portland
- Three Marias
- On the Milky Way Express
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| | | | | | purely magic! |  |
I saw rachel z trio on 22 dec. 2000 at "AlexanderPlatz" in rome,
and bought the disc from her at the end of the concert.
No way i would have gone home without it!!!
I remember she told me that allison (drums) felt a little sick so she wasn't at her best, and i thought, "Oh my god, can she play even better than this ?".
great drum work by allison (interesting rhythms and very nice work on those cymbals).
pure magic from rachel,
You can easily hear how much she loves Wayne Shorter's music,
and i think i hear clasical influences too.
I'm just waiting for a chance to enjoy once more rachel and her trio in concert, meanwhile i spoile my self with the album.
Truly a work of art.itaisim@yahoo.com
| A Really pleasnt surprise | |
I first saw Rachel Z playing with Wayne Shorter and was impressed,her first album I found dull. So I wasn't expecting much with this album, but it really swings and the gentler setting of the piano trio shows off the beauty of the compositions. I can't wait for her versions of his electric stuff.
| Happy, smiling, and Wow! | |
I first heard Rachel Z on KPLU 88.5FM in Seattle and scrammbled to write down the name when I first heard it! Fresh, invigorating, reminded me of some of the Pat Metheny "trio" works, and Pat Metheny Group in general (minus synths, effects). My feelings were of happiness, joy, and the desire to tell others of a wonderful new Jazz trio I had heard. If Jazz makes you happy, makes you want to explore the world, sing, play, and generally be thankful...Wow, this is a CD to get. These women ROCK (JAZZ?)! Gonna find a ticket to their local gig as soon as can. In short, thank you Rachel Z (and your group). Ahimsa.
| A Promising Release |  |
This trio of young jazz artists has put forward a promising and enjoyable work. For the most part, Rachel's take on the material comes across as fluid and thoughtful. The disc is highly complimented by the competent and expressive drumming of Allison Miller. The performances sound better and better with each listen.
| Best tribute album ever | |
I once mistook Rachel Z for (yet another) Smooth Jazz artist and I had to take it back when I heard this CD. She has totally demonstrated her playing skills (already present on the Vertu album) and great mastery in arrangements. For instance, her version of "El Gaucho" is quite a delight. The same applies for "the Three Marias", mixing fluidity and rythm. The trio works well though I would enjoyed more solos from the side girls. Anyway, Wayne Shorter's masterpieces are so numerous that a second volume including "Speak no Evil" or "Juju" could easily be released.
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