Posted on 09/14/2005

 

Well ladies and gentlemen, it looks like Blue Note Records is releasing another compilation album. This time the listeners are led by Jazzanova, a German six-man team of DJs/producers who will be the tour-guides for this two-disc excursion. So pack your bags and prepare for a long but rhythmic, intriguing ride that is Blue Note Trip. Now this is not your run-of-the-mill jazz compilation that just showcases familiar jazz legends. Rather than playing similar jazz tunes to which most people are accustomed, this release focuses more on the assorted mini-genres of jazz music. Also unlike other jazz compilations, the different selections of genres are beautifully blended to create a smooth ride without any annoying pit stops. Each track easily complements the next without any hassles.

The genres were also placed in a somewhat chronological order to add to the trip-taking effect. For example, on the first disc, entitled Looking Back, the listener starts in a club setting as the album begins with Bobbi Humprey's "You Make Me Feel So Good" and Donald Byrd's "Think Twice" (a fine example of soul-jazz). The dancers in the smoke-filled room get serious on Horace Parlan's Afro-Cuban number, "Congalegra". Sam River's "Beatrice" is there to pick you up and take you into the wee hours of the night and sweet sleep. And Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" greets you on an early Sunday morning. The sun breaks with Freddie Hubbard's "Blue Spirits" as its theme.

On the other disc, Movin' On, the listener is taking it easy; snuggling up with a loved one and suffering from last night's hangover. Songs like Horace Silver's "Nobody Knows" and Chico Hamilton's "Morning Side of Love" soothe the soul and are perfect listening for the Sunday you're having. The trip comes to a very calm ending with Bobby Humphrey's "Is This All?", which makes Movin' On the ideal relaxation. Each track on Movin' On is rich and smooth, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere for the listener.

Blue Note Trip, is one of the best Blue Note compilations done in sometime. Jazzanova did a wonderful job blending and selecting. Many of the lesser-known tracks off the compilation will have seasoned jazz fans raising eyebrows. The showcase of genres couldn't have been constructed better. If you're short on time or money for a planes-trains-automobiles excursion; take the Blue Note Trip.