More than a few jazz critics have been quick to dismiss Mindi Abair as just another lightweight contributor to the Kenny G/Dave Koz/Richard Elliot school of bland smooth jazz saxophone playing. But even though Abair has recorded her share of generic fluff, the alto and soprano saxophonist does have chops -- and In Hi-Fi Stereo, it turns out, is a pleasant surprise because her chops usually aren't wasted this time. Most of In Hi-Fi Stereo, in fact, is really more soul-jazz than smooth jazz. Abair has plenty of room to ...
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More than a few jazz critics have been quick to dismiss Mindi Abair as just another lightweight contributor to the Kenny G/Dave Koz/Richard Elliot school of bland smooth jazz saxophone playing. But even though Abair has recorded her share of generic fluff, the alto and soprano saxophonist does have chops -- and In Hi-Fi Stereo, it turns out, is a pleasant surprise because her chops usually aren't wasted this time. Most of In Hi-Fi Stereo, in fact, is really more soul-jazz than smooth jazz. Abair has plenty of room to stretch out and blow on this 2010 release, and her saxophone playing isn't smothered by layers and layers of unnecessary production. Actually, the album's title says a lot about what Abair was going for. The phrase "in hi-fidelity stereo" was used a lot back in the 1960s, and this 48-minute CD often recalls the improvisatory soul-jazz recordings of the '60s and '70s. Direct or indirect influences like the Crusaders, the Brecker Brothers, David Sanborn, Tom Scott's L.A. Express, Grover Washington, Jr., David "Fathead" Newman, and Hank Crawford serve Abair well on an album that is mostly instrumental but also contains a few vocal offerings. The most memorable is a remake of James Brown's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World," which boasts a bluesy performance by singer Lalah Hathaway (daughter of the late soul legend Donny Hathaway). And the album's weakest moments come when the thin-voiced Abair tries to sing. Of course, having a thin voice doesn't mean that one cannot provide meaningful vocals but Abair's vocals have been flat-out embarrassing at times (in 2006, she absolutely butchered Rickie Lee Jones' "It Must Be Love"). Thankfully, Abair doesn't do a lot of singing on In Hi-Fi Stereo. She does, however, do a lot of saxophone playing on this album -- most of it gritty, soulful, and pleasingly inspired. And 90 percent of the time, In Hi-Fi Stereo is an album that Abair can be proud of. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi
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Abair/Bell/Gore/Lee; Abair/Collins/Rodri; Abair/Hager; Abair/Parlapiano/Th; Abair/Rodrigues; Abair/Stevens; Abair/Theard;... Poor. Used-Acceptable, withdrawn library disc(s) with liner notes. Disc(s) should play great without any playback issues. Disc(s) & liner notes may contain typical library markings like stickers, protective label covers, & writing. Discs may be repackaged in library style casing. Back artwork & any other promo material not included.
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All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
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Fair. All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods and will show some wear and tear from normal use. Jewel cases will be included but may be damaged and/or cracked. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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