(Full reviews in the Documents section.)
"Jazz fans and casual listeners alike will find something to appreciate in 'À la carte'. This album is ten tracks of listening enjoyment. Slow, seductive melodies, fun, funky beats and a good groove. Who can ask for more? If you can't, then grab your copy of 'À la carte', because you'll be in for a treat."
Andrea Guy
"Groove 55 proves that, when done right, smooth jazz can be an entertaining genre that blends the best of the jazz and pop world that is both accessible and artistically intact. With strong ensemble interaction, well-written tunes, creative arrangements and engaging improvisations, these four musicians have brought all the right elements to the table on their latest release, 'À la carte'."
Matthew Warnock
"'À la carte' ... stands out as one of the most consistent and viable pop/jazz albums you’re likely to hear in 2012. Groove 55 knows what sounds sell, on 'À la carte' they manage to imbue that sound with originality and energy... Don’t be surprised if you hear Groove 55 on your local Smooth Jazz station in 2012, but take some time and listen beyond the likely singles. The depth here will surprise you."
Wildy Haskell
"Groove:55 is a contemporary music group with a jazzy soul and instrumental ear for the best jazz music today. The mix of keyboards, drums, and saxophone accompaniment are keys to high-quality jazz music. In this case, the tracks contain lively rhythms and keyboard adornments that bring the music to life. The absence of vocals makes the music even more enjoyable. The strengths include a relatively diverse set of compositions with lively instrumentation and sounds. The negatives are rather nonexistent. This is ideal for fans of contemporary instrumental jazz, nu-jazz, acid jazz, and upbeat smooth jazz. Fill your palette with the satisfying sounds of 'À la carte'."
Matthew Forss
"The stylishly laidback, jazzy-cool meanderings of Groove 55 are kind of like David Sanborn’s output, or like the easier side of Ian Carr or Brian Auger ( jazz types will know who I mean). The horns sway and wave, the percussion lays down a relaxed backbeat, and the entire number saunters by with a smooth, approachable groove…like it doesn’t have a care in the world; that’s Canada’s Groove 55 in a nutshell. Their latest album, 'À la carte', is a splendid array of well-done, well-developed soft jazz pieces. They include enough movement in the rhythm to keep up the interest level, but also add just the right amount of “coolness” to keep the mood relaxed, casual and untroubled."
Mike DeGagne
"Groove:55 has a very interesting sound that they commit to record on 'À la carte'. The interplay between these four extremely talented musicians is a dynamic experience, strengthened by the perfect combination of funk and smooth jazz. At no point do the songs ever become so intense that they lose that quality of smoothness, nor are they so laid-back that they aren’t compelling. 'À la carte' has just the right mix of sounds to make it an enjoyable experience for jazz and non-jazz fans alike."
Heath Andrews
Though the everlasting light-funk groove that defines the genre is present throughout A la Carte, a definitive streak of artistic ambition raises the level of the music well beyond the considerations of rhythm. Saxophonist Yves Adam and keyboardist Jacques Mignault, in particular, display an uncanny sense of harmonic sophistication that comes through in the music’s denser moments, while bassist Yves Nadeau and drummer Daniel Lemay focus on laying down sweet, sweeping layers of groove.
Bryan Rodgers
Posted by jacquesmignault on January 27, 2012 05:15