Michael J Parlett - Waiting On You

Published Thursday 29th September 2005
Michael J Parlett - Waiting On You
Michael J Parlett - Waiting On You

STYLE: Jazz
RATING 6 6 6 6 6 6
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 13163-2867
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £10.00

Reviewed by T A Sutherland

Here's an album with a very wide range of styles in its eclectic mix but with most tracks maintaining an overall light urban jazz vibe, despite Michael Parlett and guest artists dipping successfully into funk, R&B and Asian fusion. I have never been a big fan of jazz covers of well known worship songs and I really think that the handful that appear on this well intentioned and reasonably crafted set of tracks don't really help toward supporting the album. With that gripe over there are a few rather notable tracks to mention, such as the entrancing sound of "Ishq Tum Bin" with tabla and santoor making for a lovely rich sound (but why just one track?). The smooth vocals of Lurine Cato make a strong impression on the nice cover of Mary Mary's chart hit "Shackles". And more quality features in the R&B-tinged "True Love" that shuffles along in a classic jazz club tradition, a really special/uplifting track where Joy Rose of Incognito fame lays down a loose and lucid sound well complimented by Parlett's sax. However, (vivid flashbacks of Cagney And Lacey aside) this album left me dumbstruck as to why it had not been developed along the themes of its most obvious strengths, being the aforementioned more creative, diverse and original numbers. An album with some beautiful and dynamic glimpses of the promised land, but sadly containing too renditions of overt familiar choruses to fully showcase Mr Parlett's obvious proficiency.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Reader Comments

Posted by DJEight28 in London @ 17:14 on Jul 24 2005

This album is absolutely fantastic. Whether you are a worshipper or just a lover of Jazz music, this album will truly inspire and lift you. It's got a grat mix of tracks from the upbeat cover version of MAry Mary's "Shackles" to the worshipful "Speak To My Heart", made poplar by Donnie McClurkin. It certainly is one of the best jazz albums I have ever owned and I would most definitely recommend this for anyone's collection.



Posted by Susan Roye in London @ 12:04 on Jul 19 2005

Some familiar worship songs and fantastic new tunes and arrangements to relax you and lift your spirit.



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Add your comment

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.