Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Eric Crittenden: Blu

Eric Crittenden: Blu

By Jim Santella
June 8, 2006
Sign in to view read count

In this program of his own compositions, singer/saxophonist Eric Crittenden gets spiritual in a musical celebration of jazz and blues. It's all from the soul. He lets the music pour naturally, with powerful influences from earlier decades, as well as up-to-date contemporary creations that make a deep impression.

Stormy Blu, the longest selection on the program at over ten minutes, leaves plenty of space for Crittenden's alto to explore the sonic landscape on an adventuresome ride. His JukeJoint Blu band provides a powerful setting as the leader moves from moody saxophone hues to a driving, multitracked vocal tirade. He closes with his sax on fire, leading the way to soul-searching and forward motion.

Crittenden's singing gets covered in sound through multitracking, strong backbeats and a swirling band accompaniment. Consequently, his lyric messages fall by the wayside in favor of instrumental forces that drive a funk groove. It's like a congregation in church where everyone sings together in such a way that no one clear voice can stand out. Crittenden's R&B vocals marry 1970s soul with 1990s hip-hop in a party atmosphere that rules out individualism. Blu is a team effort that puts your mind at ease and opens the door for party time.

Track Listing

Dig It; Todd

Personnel

Eric Crittenden

Eric Crittenden: alto saxophone, keyboards, vocals; Eric Krasno, Steve Williamson: guitar; Jerry Livingston, Rob Wasserman: bass; Larry Rizzuto: drums; DeJuaine Mottley: drums, vocals; Roy Shimmyo: bass, vocals; Kendra Wheeler: vocals.

Album information

Title: Blu | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Self Produced

< Previous
Mean What You Say

Next >
Compass

Comments

About Eric Crittenden

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.