Release Date: March 12, 2023
Label: Independent
From T(h)ree To Four is Manuel Muzzu's fourth studio album. It has been five years since I covered New Stories-Old Hands.
For those of you who may
not be familiar with Manuel's story, he lost the use of his fingers on his
right very early in life. His love for the bass and overcoming his disability
is one of the miracles of his life. He endeavored to play as anyone else would
typically and somehow adapt a style that worked for him.
You only record four
albums if you can create palatable music and sound professional. For that
matter, Manuel's talent is above average. Using the bass as a lead instrument
is not uncommon but infrequent. With that fact in mind, it makes what he has
accomplished more remarkable.
I have heard my share of
the greats over the years and enjoyed the privilege of covering their music.
Manuel's sense of rhythm and fluidity gives his instrument room to breathe and
adjust to the music behind him. He has a host of additional musicians
contributing, including synth, piano, trumpet, saxophone, flugelhorn, guitar,
and drums. A complete ensemble to fill in the missing spaces to make each
composition complete and allow his bass to lead the way.
What you will hear are
various shades and colors of the jazz spectrum. "Punky Funky," my
favorite track, is jazz-funk, while "Jeff's Style" is smooth jazz.
Jumping from one style to another is impressive, and most importantly, you can
keep your audience tuned in and waiting in anticipation for the next track. I
like a wide range of jazz and subgenres. It holds many aspects that keep me
engrossed in what I listen to. It creates a sense of wonderment about the
talent you are hearing and how eclectic one genre can be. Jazz is a complex
type of music that draws from many sources, including the blues. The ability to
shape and mold those resources requires talent and patience to give birth to
the varied tracks you will hear on this recording.
"Salsamba" is
another instance of a complete change in direction to the energetic salsa and
samba sound. Two different jazz styles merged, which is more challenging to
create with a good flow. Manuel is exceptionally talented at diverting to any
kind he desires. He does it all with a successful blend of his supporting
instruments and an excellent bass command.
From
T(h)ree To Four is an
album that any jazz lover will appreciate because it crosses into many
different styles. If you genuinely love jazz, you will understand this
consummate representation of the genre. Anyone seeking exceptional instrumental
jazz will find their way to this recording, not to mention those seeking a hero
and an example of overcoming all the odds to do what he loved and shine
brightly. Manuel Muzzu presents the miracle of a man's courage and persistence
through twelve tracks you will thoroughly enjoy.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder
June 6, 2023
Tracks:
01. LAST ONE (6:19)
02. ON MY SIDE (4:40)
03. PUNKY FUNKY (5:09)
04. LOST IN (8:25)
05. JEFF's STYLE (4:14)
06. SALSAMBA (5:49)
07. RIGHT NOW (6:36)
08. URBANOISES (4:56)
09. SPARKLE PURPLE (6:20)
10. M'I ? (4:15)