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MP3 Bob Madsen & The WorldMachine - Above and Beyond the Call Of Beauty
11 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Smooth Jazz, JAZZ: Jazz Fusion
Details:
Here''s What People Are Saying About The Album:
"Bob Madsen is a superb musician. His writing reveals a much needed fresh approach to contemporary jazz. Thanks for thinking outside the box, Bob!"
-Jeff Kashiwa -Native Language Music Artist
"For some reason many of the bass players these days who make solo recording projects seem to be very one dimensional in their approach. For the most part they usually focus on just the bass and/or how fast they can play it!
What''s refreshing to me is the approach that Bob Madsen and the WorldMachine took on their release "Above And Beyond The Call Of Beauty." Bob does have a strong bass playing presence on the recording, but the main focus is the music. It is very cool to hear him play a variety of basses, each with it''s own unique sound. But it''s the fact that he uses these different basses to enhance the music that is so nice on this recording. The WorldMachine stays true to their name by using elements from music all over the world and that makes for a musical journey that always keeps you wondering what''s next?
I think it''s great to see bass players step out and do their own recordings and elevate the visibility of the instrument. Bob Madsen And The WorldMachine did just that, but also never lost track of the "Music" being the most important part of the big picture."
-Brian Bromberg – Bassist Producer, Artistry Records Recording Artist
"Above and Beyond the Call of Beauty is a joyous and entertaining CD that should appeal not only to bass fans, but to anyone who likes music that takes you on a journey."
-Michael Manring - Solo Bass Pioneer
Thanks for the heads up on Bob. He''s a truly gifted musician. The talent shows though, not just his playing, but his writing, arranging, and ability to get such great performances out of the other players. What a find.
Kevin McKay - Jazz Harmonica Player
There''s a magical sensuality on "Above and Beyond the Call of Beauty" that is deliciously intoxicating! I''ve been listening to this CD for a couple of weeks now and I''m unable to let go of that intensely positive vibe that you can feel in every note! What a trip! What a ride! What a great storyteller you are Bob!!! The whole album just radiates with physical energy thats totally satisfying! You surrounded yourself with extraordinary talented musicians and you didn''t hesitate to step back and let them do their thing but when you come back on each track you give a performance that shouldn''t be missed by anyone. Unbelievable! When you crank up the heat with your signature style the musical experience makes me shiver with satisfaction. Brilliant!!! BRAVO!!!
- Trish - Canadian Jazz Fan
Recently I was asked by a friend, where the inspiration came for my music, especially the instrumental songs on my album. This innocent question reminded me of one of my fondest memories. A memory of one of my lessons with Michael Manring in which neither of us even picked up a bass. I''ll explain.
I had just watched My Immortal Beloved with Gary Oldman as Beethoven. In watching this movie I learned of Beethoven''s inspiration for his music. Symphonies I had grown up listening to and loving, I was completely ignorant of what they were about. It wasn''t until watching this movie that I learned what "stories" these symphonic works were telling. It gave me a whole new depth of appreciation for Beethoven''s music and gave me goosebumps in the understanding.
The next day I had a lesson with Michael in which I asked how he "told stories" in his songs. What followed was a conversation that spanned music, history, psychoacoustics and sociological barriers. I realized that Michael was not only a master bass player, but had truly mastered music in all its many forms and implications. My already considerable respect for the man grew tenfold in one hour. I won''t say what he told me here. It was far to long ranged and rambling but the basis of it I took with me and it remains one of my most treasured memories of my lessons with Mr. Manring.
Anyway, in order to answer that music fan who posed the question originally and hopefully to give other listeners a greater degree of appreciation (and hopefully pleasure) in listening to my music. Here is a list of the songs on the album with my notes on my inspiration and/or what I was trying to "say" with each piece. I hope it adds to your enjoyment of the album.
"Second Wind": This song was originally entitled "Spirit of the Child" however it was recorded about halfway through the making of the album and it came out better than I had hoped for. In effect it renewed my commitment to the making of the album and acted as me getting my "Second Wind" to complete the project.
"Finally Coming Home" was written about the feeling of coming home to family and loved ones after being gone for a long period of time. It is meant to portray a feeling of excitement and anticipation as the final miles are traversed on the way home.
"Going Indigo" was written about several friends who were going through bad times. However each of these individuals used the lessons learned from their travails to improve themselves and their station in life. I found this very inspiring and this song was the result.
"Standing On The Sky" was originally conceived of as a vocal song, however it just took form as this beautiful anthemic instrumental so who was I to say no to it? The feeling I was attempting to portray was that of confidence and joy. That feeling of accomplishment you get when things are going your way, nothing can stop you and you feel like you are standing on the sky.
"Familiar Strangers" is an autobiographical story of a childhood friend of mine who died when we were about 20 years old. It''s a tragic story and was a very difficult song for me to record.
"Promise The Moon" was a love song written for my wife when we first got together. It was performed by my best man Kenny Byars and guitarist Chad Quist at our wedding. It has gone through many arrangements but I am happy to say I like this, the final one, best.
"Train 14", was written about a young lady I met at a train station who had recently undergone a divorce and was leaving the life she knew for a new one in another state. I tried to capture her sadness at leaving one life behind and her excitement to begin a new one elsewhere. (incidentally this song was the first I had ever written for piccolo bass)
"In Her Arms" is a lullaby written for my son when he was an infant in his mother''s arms.
"Crossroads" is the one song on the album I did not write. But when I first heard it played by Rich Hubbard, I immediately fell in love with it and had to record it. The "story of the song" is pretty self evident but extremely, emotionally powerful. I just love the tune.
"The Loch" is written about sibling rivalry and the quest for emotional solace centered around an imaginary place in the protagonists mind. It also, was a very difficult piece for me to complete.
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