NEW ALBUM: Aaron Parks - Little Big II: Dreams of a Mechanical Man - Printable Version +- Music Discussion (https://www.music-discussion.com) +-- Forum: Music Discussion (https://www.music-discussion.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=4) +--- Forum: Jazz/Big Band/Easy Listening/Soft Rock (https://www.music-discussion.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=13) +--- Thread: NEW ALBUM: Aaron Parks - Little Big II: Dreams of a Mechanical Man (/showthread.php?tid=21030)

NEW ALBUM: Aaron Parks - Little Big II: Dreams of a Mechanical Man - Ruby - 09-05-2020 AARON PARKS - Little Big II: Dreams of a Mechanical Man Personnel: Aaron Parks - piano, synthesizers, Wurlitzer, Rhodes, celeste, vibraphone, glockenspiel, chimes, voice Greg Tuohey - guitar David Ginyard, Jr - bass Tommy Crane - drums, percussion Brilliant – these guys are amazingly together. This is jazz of the nouveau persuasion and hits all the right notes for me; not highbrow – rather the opposite, and impeccably produced – an absolute joy to listen to. This is a follow up to the quartet’s previous album, Little Big, and l could probably say more or less the same about this one as I did about that, except that between that and this, they’ve possibly found even more of their mojo. I have been unable to find anything new that I want to listen to lately, so I was happy to dive into this release. My understanding of jazz is limited and probably quite Philistine, but the thing that I don’t love is that it usually meanders around all over the place (sincere apologies to the purists) and my attention span, or musical intelligence, is simply not enough to keep up with it; my non-mathematical brain loses the thread and I have no idea where I am - this is not like that, which is why it sits so well with me. Let me qualify that though – there are ‘proper’ jazz musicians with a certain something that defies description who I can and will listen to and enjoy – I suppose it’s much like anything else, always exceptions to the rule. Or maybe it’s the headphones, lol! My set broke and since the times require caution, I ordered some basic Sennheisers that I found on a super duper special. I’m astonished to find that they are perfectly adequate for such a seemingly simple set of cans - comfortable, and streets ahead of anything else I could have got for the price. I’ll have to upgrade next time around but meanwhile I’m suitably impressed with the range on these – who’da thought? Anyway – back to Parks & Co., there’s an occasional rocky sort of thing going on as well, which IMHO just adds to the colour – all these musicians are extremely capable – aside from Park’s truly fab keys, great mellow bass, nice understated guitar which still makes its presence felt, and tasteful percussion. A tasteful effort altogether, I'd say, while at the same time showcasing versatility. Works perfectly for my present frame of mind. An hour plus (if added up correctly) and doesn’t drag. I think they fit the mould of artists who are so well versed in their craft that they can take chances and break stereotypes with impunity. This is not pure jazz and is also not what I would refer to as fusion – whatever anyone cares to label it, I think it’s luverly stuff. All instrumental ...  "Solace" ....  RE: NEW ALBUM: Aaron Parks - Little Big II: Dreams of a Mechanical Man - CRAZY-HORSE - 09-05-2020 I will get back to listening to this album this week Ruby. was interested in your comment "I have been unable to find anything new that I want to listen to lately" do you think that is because more and more respectable artists are delaying the release of albums because of potential lack of sales with C-19 around??? #1 on debut on the UK (and Aussie) chart this week is by Drake, Wiki says the album sold 20,000 units. the Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Lane_Demo_Tapes#Commercial_performance that is really bad to get to number one! I know its different times/eras etc, but back in the early 1980s you needed to sell ten times that amount to make it to #1 , I also remember Elvis Costello saying back then that any artist who continually makes the top100 chart with albums can make a full time living out of the industry. RE: NEW ALBUM: Aaron Parks - Little Big II: Dreams of a Mechanical Man - Ruby - 09-05-2020 ^I don't know CH. Could just be me being particularly picky, lol! People seem to be responding quite well to online entertainment, so I don't think that is a deterrent. In fact, I think it might turn out to be good for the industry/musicians - they're reaching audiences all on their own, without the cost of huge productions and tours, and it seems to be working as far as I can tell. We're in for a few major shifts in many departments which is not necessarily a bad thing. So the short answer is no.  RE: NEW ALBUM: Aaron Parks - Little Big II: Dreams of a Mechanical Man - CRAZY-HORSE - 09-05-2020 ^^ sorry, I edited and added to my post without reading yours. I hear you Ruby, dvd/bluray and xbox gamey thingy sales are huge, so yes, I guess music sales shouldn't really drop off