Preview: Garden of Forbidden Fruit
By Steven Orkin

Consistent with Tropique's five previous releases, Garden of Forbidden Fruit once again shows that high-level musicianship can be accessible.

A wide palette of Latin and urban textures, Garden finds its seven members at the top of their collective game, achieving something very passionate and real. The record features Hedman (congas and percussion), Willie Martinez (timbales), Ron Monroe (bass), Misha Tisganov (piano), Alexei Tsiganov (vibes), Craig Rivers (Flute), and Sam Furnace (alto sax). The band is also joined by vocalists Ada Dyer, James D-Train Williams, Kendra Shank, and Dani Stevenson, plus Brad Mason (Flugelhorn), and Joe Gonzalez (bongos).

Garden blasts off with a very traditional sounding song, Rundadar Dance. It's a festive piece featuring an impressive solo by Rivers.

Hedman and vocalist Dyer combined forces to write the fresh sounding Closer. The texture and pace form an authentic urban flavor reminiscent of the late '60s and early '70s.

Guest vocalists really do shine on this record. James D-Train Williams brings a warm soulfulness to Angel of the Night, which he co-wrote with Hedman. Dani Stevenson does the same on the title track, which was also written by Hedman and Williams. Her smooth voice complements Monroe's slap bass to add a very modern flair to the piece.

Garden delivers everything its cover design promises; the romance of jazz in a blend of urban and island textures. It also delivers everything one would expect from such an accomplished band leader and sidemen; tasteful compositions that indulge the listener first.

In the garden of the music industry, these qualities may indeed be forbidden. But that won't stop Hedman and his band. The product is simply too good.

To hear entire sample tracks, click here to re-open Norman's site. Click Tropique at the bottom of the page, and then click the CD tab. To hear a song, click the button to the left of each song title.

-- Go to page 3 --