Quincy Jones
Back On The Block

THE REVIEW

Eclectic figure of American entertainment, as well as the producer of the best-seller "Thriller" by Michael Jackson and composer of soundtracks, Quincy Jones created in '89 what he defines as "the project of a lifetime," namely to make a record with an extraordinary cast that includes great jazz stars like Joe Zawinul, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Miles Davis, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and many more.

The album is a pleasant crossover between jazz interventions, smooth Motown-style melodies, rap parts, and funky arrangements. The result is a very enjoyable, very catchy, and "black" album that brings together the old with the new, including trends born in the second half of the Eighties, like hip-hop and synth-pop.

And on this note, a point that might be considered a drawback from a certain perspective: the instrumental setup, although rich and well-crafted, is highly focused on the use of Eighties-style electronics. However, it is a very refined sound; the keyboard interventions are never "plasticky," and the entire album is permeated by a synth bass so powerful and "groovy" that it would make even the dead jump. The voices of the various performers are well balanced and rich with "black" nuances, and the melodic structure is solid, especially in the ballads. Particularly lively is the instrumental interpretation of "Birdland" by Weather Report.

In conclusion, without examining the 14 (!) tracks comprising the album, a very delightful album, very pop and smooth, crafted by old foxes of modern music, to be listened to even in the car to feel immersed in an American TV show from the Eighties...