Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Larry Young - Heaven On Earth CD (album) cover

HEAVEN ON EARTH

Larry Young

Jazz Rock/Fusion


From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Bookmark and Share
Easy Money
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin
2 stars After the brilliant Contrasts album on which Larry Young sounded like he was just about to step into his destiny as a leader in the new jazz fusion style, Larry throws us a curve ball with the inconsistent and sometimes backward looking Heaven on Earth. This isn't a terrible album, but I wouldn't recommend it to people seeking a first look at Larry's incredible B3 playing. Fortunately though, there is enough good on here to be worthwhile to hardcore Young fans like myself.

Larry is known for putting out albums that are stylistically all over the map, in that respect this album takes the cake. The album opener is Infant, a 'fun' soul-jazz number that isn't bad, but Larry had moved past this style years ago. Is this a blatant attempt to score a commercial hit? I love B3 based soul-jazz, but at this point in his career Young is capable of so much more. His playing on this one sounds dumbed down and uninspired.

The next two numbers are much better, in fact Hereafter belongs in the Larry Young hall of fame. This cut is a great mix of avant-African subtle polyrhythmic grooves with laid back spacey psychedelic Hammond sounds and a great guitar solo from George Benson. Although George is best know for his commercial work, when put to the test he can play modern jazz as well as, if not better than any jazz guitarist out there.

Side two opens with Heaven on Earth, another soul-jazz number, only this time Larry and his crew sound a lot more modern, inspired and aggressive. This cut shows Young playing in that forceful semi- minimalist style that he will explore further on Lawrence of Newark, plus there is a series of majestic chord build ups in the middle section that would make any caped prog-rock keyboard player jealous.

Next up Young switches styles again with a slightly off-kilter version of the lounge-jazz classic Call Me. This one may sound like easy listening to many, but Benson and Young throw in enough slightly avant twists to keep it interesting. The album closer is the classic jazz ballad My Funny Valentine, sung by Larry's wife Althea. Once again Young and Benson's accompaniments are unique and inventive, but overall the band plays this one pretty straight. Was this one more shot at a commercial hit?

I like this album, but I would not recommend it to anyone but already committed fans of Larry Young's totally unique musical vision and playing.

Report this review (#212435)
Posted Saturday, April 25, 2009 | Review Permalink

LARRY YOUNG Heaven On Earth ratings only


chronological order | showing rating only

Post a review of LARRY YOUNG Heaven On Earth


You must be a forum member to post a review, please register here if you are not.

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.