Review "Drummer Craig Pilo is kept busy via his concert tours with pop and rock icons Frankie Valli and Edgar Winter. Yet this jazz-fusion studio date signifies an insightful glimpse into his enviable chops and overall musicality. With an attractive blend of originals, jazz standards, and pieces by Trane and Freddie Hubbard, the drummer generates pop, zip and fluid movement throughout. Featuring veteran session artists such as keyboardist Mitchel Forman, bassist Tom Kennedy and others, the various lineups convey a tightly-organized and thoroughly, in-the-pocket chemistry. Constructed upon largely, melodic pieces and groove-oriented rhythmic maneuvers, Forman s Fender Rhodes piano work serves as the axis on several tracks. They execute a mid-tempo, Latin-jazz spin on Autumn Leaves, while projecting a contempo jazz outlook with saxophonist Roman Dudok s appearance on various works. On Hubbard s modern jazz classic Red Clay, the saxophonist judiciously improvises within the primary melody, firmed-up by Pilo s solid and throttling backbeats. Kennedy renders a literal reading of Jaco Pastorius Teen Town, as the trio s interpretation of Softly As In A Morning Sunrise, surfaces as a dreamy ballad, spiced-up with a distinct edge. No frills or revelations here! It s more about a consortium of top-caliber musicians infusing their broad music vernaculars into a potpourri of jazz-tinged works that intimate a jubilant state-of-affairs. Everything seems to click rather naturally here." --Glenn Astarita EJazz News"A highly dynamic jazz fusion atmosphere filled with positive energy. "Just Play" showcases the work of an experimented musician whose bold personality is evident throughout the album. There are many wonderful sequences of vigorous, colorful jamming not to mention the excellent bass and organ grooves that make the music float around. Among the highlights "Early Cynical Mystery" one of the originals, brings a breeze from the "Return to Forever" years and Coltrane's "Miles Mode" here cleverly arranged by Craig Pilo. An entertaining album of great clarity and power for fusion enthusiasts." --Jazz World Quest"I m betting you ll be happy with the playing Craig and the band lay down on this disc. Simply outstanding jazz, crisply recorded from a lengthy all-star cast. Appearing on the tracks I m playing are Mitchel Forman and Ed Czach with some truly blistering Fender Rhodes work, Burt Samolis, Keith Hubacher, Jim King, Tom Kennedy and David Enos each on some equally blistering bass lines, Roman Dudok on sax, with Pilo keeping the rhythm locked and loaded and filled with particularly tasty cymbal work." --- FusionGroovin
C**A
Excellent music
Great drummer...love this cd!
N**0
just playin'
Revised: Based on the cover music alone I'd place this on the upper shelf. It might be a "drummers on top" cd, but that's what's being showcased, ...and I am still listening. Some beautiful work in here. The long-ish explorations of music (instrument solos) are characteristic of this style of jazz. (btw: I appreciated CH's detailed review here, ...even if a mite strict/stingy with his stars. ha.)
R**R
Modern Jazz As Smooth As Fine Wine
JUST PLAY, the new album by drummer Craig Pilo, has a heavy focus on his percussion arrangements and abilities. Having been on tours with Frankie Vallie and Edgar Winter gives his music a truly live edge. The flavorings of Jazz range from lounge to fusion, creating sublime imagrey as instrument parts take their places in individual tracks. I was easily put in mine of Spyro Gyra and instrumental works by the Japanese outfit Seat Belts that was fronted by Yoko Kanno in the late 1990s. Craig's level of professionalism and dedication to his craft is clearly evident in the recording and production. If you're looking for music to relax to, as in having a romantic candle light dinner, or sitting by a warm fire on a quiet evening, JUST PLAY is the perfect soundtrack.
L**Y
Great Album!
Just Play is fantastic. I listen to it while walking around the city, so I got a copy for my dad. He is not in any way a jazz head (he likes Michael Bublé, Sinatra, and big band music) but he loved it! He plays it in his car constantly. And, my better half, who is a professional jazz musician (pianist/ organist) is very impressed with this album- so there you go- you can hum along and also, if you hear it, really appreciate the skill and complexity behind the music.
C**L
Excellent jazz outing
Craig Pilo's "Just Play" is a pleasure to listen to, both as an attentive exercise in modern jazz, and as a simply great jazz album to have on while going about your day. It's a welcome addition to any collection and I definitely recommend it to friends. Any drummer should consider this a worthy study as well.
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