Featured Artist: Chuk Fowler and Higher Energy
CD Title: Up from the Roots
Record Label: Seque Records
Style: Contemporary Jazz
Musicians: Chuk Fowler, keyboards, percussion, composer, leader. Paul Ramsey, bass. Steve Berrios, drums. Steve Kroon, percussion.
Review: For a lively, enjoyable musical outing, take a listen to keyboardist Chuk Fowler and his group, Higher Energy, in their innovative CD release, UP FROM THE ROOTS. The CD features 10 original compositions by Chuk Fowler, and each one reveals the powerhouse talent of this jazz pianist. Each musician shines in this collection with imaginative solo work and harmonic motifs!
The selections include "Grandpa's Stroll," "Celestial Man," "Steppin," "Los Ninos Samba," "Caribbean Breeze," "Dawn's Delight," "Island Strut," "Somewhere," "And At Em," and "Truth." What makes this collection work so well is the composer's goal to present jazz music as a healing form filled with harmony and intricate flavorings that reflect the joy of life. Chuk Fowler succeeds well!
I have listened to this CD five times and found that I like each song equally well, and "Grandpa's Stroll" is one of my favorites. Whatever Chuk Fowler is playing he plays with great sensitivity and enjoyment, and there is a pure joy in his performances that will touch all listeners with its direct honestly of emotion.
Every song is a winner and so are the performances of these songs. If you want something lively and enjoyable, take a listen to UP FROM THE ROOTS. Chuk Fowler has a great piano style, very original and very eclectic. Excellent.
Record Label Website: http://www.cdbaby.com/chukfowler
Reviewed by: Lee Prosser
NEW 2004
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Lee Prosser - Jazz Review.com