Your Beat Street CD !

I really love it. What a great project. You have really mastered a number of different styles on this disc... the latin rhythms in some of the tunes remind me of the great latin soul jazz of people like Grant Green (Mambo Inn), Horace Parlan (Congalegre) and Charlie Rouse (Back Down to the Tropics.) Plus there's that great Gospel tune. And the amazing solos from William Sperandei. Not to mention the beautiful colours from all your different keyboards.
I know I keep telling you, but this is a really beautiful recording !!!
All my best,
Robert Robert Rowat, producer
TONIC
CBC Radio 2

CD Reviews: Bill King’s Rhythm Express, “Beat Street” Posted by: editoron Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 10:14 PM

By: Edward Blanco

When he’s not composing music, arranging, producing acting as a photo journalist and publishing The Jazz Report and Ejazznews web site, Bill King is a consummate professional musician who plays and sings the blues, soul and of course, jazz and does it well. A leader of many musical groups, the eclectic Rhythm Express sextet presents the latest project with “Beat Street,” a personal homage, as he states, “to the great soul jazz pioneers…” that have been a part of his musical make up since the age of fifteen. In particular he points to the influences of such artists as Cannonball Adderley, Ramsey Lewis, the Crusaders and Jazz Messengers, Miles Davis, Eddie Palmieri, Hancock, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder just to name a few.

While mentioning great musicians that have influenced his music, Beat Street contains no standards from any of the above; all of the twelve pieces are original compositions. Providing the percussive core and beat of the music on this album are drummer Mark Kelso and percussionist Luis Obergoso. Trumpeter William Sperandei and Darcy Hepner add the brass and reeds respectively as Duncan Hopkins plays acoustic and electric bass. Completing the rhythm section of the “Express” is King who marvels here as he performs on the acoustic grand, the Hammond B-3 organ, Fender Rhodes and the Korg Synthesizer.

As for the music, in one word, “outstanding!” The recording is quite aptly named for you will find the beat of the music electric and the stylish rhythms aggressively expressive. A jazz album you will truly appreciate and play often because the sound is so infectious.

There are many highlights here way too many to mention but the “Express” starts rolling with the “Rhythm Express” containing a bit of the Latin feel to it, rumbling through with tasteful solo expressions from both Sperandei and Hepner supported by the guys on the percussions and drums. As for King, his contributions are many beginning on the synthesizer with his play on “Hymn #1” and his piano lead and solo on “Sundown Comin’ “ one of the finer numbers on this disc.

Interestingly enough the title tune seems a departure from the rest of the album sounding much like free style jazz as if it were played with more improvisation than following a musical script, but then that’s just this appraiser’s opinion. “In The Blues Garden,” and “Only The Righteous” are King’s contribution of the blues and they are bluesy to the core. The pianist penned “The Wake” in solemn tribute to the memory of players and friends who have recently passed on. The music ends with three terrific tunes, the lively and bouncy melody of “Kobe” and the two slightly Latin jazz-shaded scores, “My Summer Rose,” and the finale “427 Rhythm Street.” Beat Street is well paved with sizzling jazz music and provides an excellent musical journey for those who decide to take a ride on Bill King’s Rhythm Express.

Year: 2008 Label: 7 Arts Entertainment Artist Web: www.billkingmusic.com