Featured Artist: Mike Freeman

CD Title: In the Zone

Year: 2007

Record Label: VOF

Style: Latin Jazz / Latin Funk

Musicians: Mike Freeman (leader, composer, vibraphone, marimba, minor percussion), Ricardo Rodriguez (bass), Little Johnny Rivero (congas), Harry Adorno (timbales), Bruce Saunders (guitars)

Review:

This group known as Mike Freeman and ZonaVibe is a remarkable tour de force as a jazz group, and with Mike Freeman's leadership and compositions places them in a unique placement as one of the finest Latin sounds in contemporary jazz.  Many in the jazz audience will recognize the group members immediately and their past contributions to jazz music.

As a vibesman, Mike Freeman is one of the best currently living and performing.  His style and talent make for interesting listening and pleasurable entertainment. There are nine songs on the CD, and the collection is superb. 

Among the songs are "Mr. 2000," "There Ya Go," "Cha Cha Mama," "Red Thunder," "The Fallen," "Todos Vuelven," "Afriman," "Horse's Run," and "A Las Seis." Each song is a jazz gem! Every song in this collection is an eye-opener!  Lively, compact, agreeable explorations of an inventive nature -- this best defines the collection as a whole.  The solo work is superb, and the group sound is extraordinary in scope! There is never a dull moment with this CD collection.

If you are looking for a fine, inventive vibraphonist and an exciting jazz group, give a listen to Mike Freeman and his ZonaVibe.  These musicians are topnotch, professional, and a true enjoyment to listen to.  They have a great sound and share it with the audience in a wonderful manner. 

Give them a listen, you won't regret it!  Buy a copy for a friend, too!  Highly recommended.

Record Label Website: http://www.jazzvibe.com

Artist's Website: http://Mike@Jazzvibe.com

Reviewed by: Lee Prosser

Click here for printer-friendly version of review.

Send this page to a friend.