The Hidden Light

Editorial Reviews
From Jazziz
Andy Statman's 1997 release, Between Heaven and Earth, was a musical embrace between two traditions that usually stay on different sides of the street - if not continents - from each other. In the inclusive hands of this master clarinetist and mandolin player, Jewish music of Eastern Europe (circa pre-20th century) met the avant squall of Coltrane-inspired free jazz, circa 1966. The spiritual fervor and modal forms of both musics bound these most unlikely of kin together, making Between Heaven and Earth one of the most stirring recordings of the decade. The Hidden Light, which also locates a nexus between jazz and Jewish themes, remains a much more sedate affair, yet, in its refined manner, equally expressive. Gone is the all-out attack that characterized the earlier recording's most passionate tracks. Here, passion gets conveyed by focus, elegance, and balance. Statman's beautiful, stately, aching clarinet readings of "Come, My Beloved (Lecha Dodi)," "Kah Ech 'Sof (My Soul Years)," "The Hidden Light," and "Sabbath Peace (Shabbos Menuchah)" highlight both his stirring tone and controlled ardor. A performance like the ballad "Pastoral" (by Rabbi Shaul Yedidyah Elazar Taub of Modzitz) calls forth a deep spiritual undercurrent similar to that of Coltrane's "Dear Lord" and "After the Rain" - uplift by way of patient evocations of heartfelt melody. The tempo picks up for the lovely finale, "Heritage Waltz," and for two duets, "Parah Adumah (The Red Heifer)" (clarinet and drums) and "Crossing the Bosphorous" (hand percussion and mandolin). Statman, a longtime devotee of bluegrass music, handles the string instrument with the same flexibility as his reed instrument. His particularly sympathetic partners - pianist Bruce Barth, bassist Scott Lee, and drummer Bob Weiner - also prove adept at summoning up ebullience from restraint.

Tracks:

Come, My Beloved (Lecha Dodi)
Song Of Redemption
Mah Yedidus (How Beloved Is Your Rest)
Shamil's Song
Russian Waltz
The Hidden Light
Parah Adumah (The Red Heifer)
Pastoral
Slivovitz
Crossing The Bosphorus
Kah Ech'Sof (My Soul Yearns)
Sabbath Peace (Shabbos Menuchah)
Heritage Waltz

Customer Reviews:

Jazz meets classical.......1999-11-24

Andy statman finds a beautiful middle-ground between jazzy clarinet and classical vibes. The folk elements add character and content to the music, by putting it in a cultural context. Just wish someone would release the wonderful Swingrass '83 with Statman on mandolin: Wow!

Beautiful.......1999-07-22

I listen to this and/or "The Gods of Our Fathers" every night while meditating, and often play it after I turn the lights out, and when I get up in the morning. It is lovely, lyrical, uplifting, joy-inspiring music, and Andy Statman's fresh, somewhat jazz-influenced approach raises the beautiful traditional melodies to new levels.

Average customer rating:

This is by far the best CD I have picked up this year!

The Hidden Light
Greg Tardy
Manufacturer: J-Curve Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Abundance

ASIN: B00004OCBR
Release Date: 2000-03-21

Tracks:

The Hidden Light
The Living Hope
Beyond The Prison Doors (Venus Flytrap)
Mr. Hurt
They Say It's Wonderful
Educated Freedom
The Night Traveler (Twilight Peregrination)
I Only Have Eyes For You
Second Wave (Pooh's Paradigm)
Jonah's Tears Part 1
Jonah's Tears Part 2
Take My Hand Precious Lord

Amazon.com

For his sophomore release, Gregory Tardy is on an elation kick. From the title of the CD and seven of its tunes, the tenor saxophonist makes his spiritual commitment evident. From the playing, it's additionally clear that he views spirituality as John Coltrane did: as something that can trigger and enhance musical creativity. Tardy's tunes have an urgency, from the intricate bossa strains of the title track to the snaking, quick line of "The Living Hope" and the funky clip of "Educated Freedom." He brings fellow New Orleans native Nicholas Payton on board for key cuts and unpacks a range that covers yearning, groove, fierceness, and intimacy in turn. The band is powered by drummer Eric Harland, bassist Sean Conly, and pianist Xavier Davis, all of whom serve as ideal resonators, carrying Tardy to the flame when he's nearly burning and helping calm when he's getting smoky, as on "The Night Traveler," where Tardy troubles his intonation to great effect. Hearing Hidden Light, it's no mystery why trumpeter Dave Douglas enlists Tardy for his Soul on Soul band; pianist Andrew Hill has him in employ, as well. He plays with versatile strengths as a balladeer, a hard-charging soul churner, and an altitude-reaching explorer. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

This is by far the best CD I have picked up this year!.......2000-05-26

This current Greg Tardy release is a must have for anyone. He chooses songs that have so much energy you want to listen over and over again. The rythym section is tight as ever. Drummer Eric Harland (who played on Greg's last release) set's so much fire to the group, you need a bucket of water just listening to it. The thing I like so much about this recording is the originality........the sound that Greg and his group produce together. This CD is a must to everyone. Whether you are a jazz listener or not you will love this work of art. (My favorite CD I've picked up this year)

Average customer rating:

Symphony 9: Introduction to Dvorak
Dvorak
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000069HGK
Release Date: 2002-09-17

Average customer rating:

Hidden Light
Andy Statman
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000566QS

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Serene Reflections
Dave Smith
Manufacturer: TimberLine-Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000171UDI
Release Date: 2002-01-01

Tracks:

Starlite Nights
Gems of Time
The Lights Above
Images on the Lake
Forgotten Rainbows
Musical Crystals
Glassworks
Cascade Springs
Serene Reflections

Album Description

A wonderful collection of orginal easy listening New Age style compositions. Soft flutes, guitars, and string ensembles melt away your worries and transform you to a time and place while listening to Serene Reflections.