Ohhh, me neither. Review, Clem!
What can I say? It's AIX--Audio Is eXceptional! As noted in other posts, I am a DTS Stage Mix with visuals kind of guy. The visuals are sweet on this one with the musicians bathed in green light. The AIX page does a nice job of giving you some previews and description. Kamasi is great--he is spread across the front--only sax in the center, drums and sax L and R; I would like to have him a bit more prominent in the mix--love the way he blows (
The Epic is a great release--would love to hear IT in surround). Actually, I'm now hearing that whoever is soloing is spread across the front three. Ramirez on piano was coming from the left rear, and now that he is soloing, he is also up front--again, piano alone in center and with drums L and R! Drums and congas are also behind me. Hell, I'm getting lost in the music! All I can safely say is soloist in center and front L and R, the rest of the band is all around me . . . it's as if this "stage mix" has me, well, on the stage! The lights are amber on the second track. Again, Washington just finished his solo and now Ramirez is pounding the keys percussively up front! Cymbals crashing behind me and toms--congas now sound up front. The band really spreads out on these tunes. As noted on their web page, each song is >10 minutes long. The drummer is really working up a sweat by this point! Oo! Track three the band is now bathed in blue. Very strong production value on this (and all) release(s)! This third number slows the pace down . . . smooth and mellow. Nice--the bassist has some solo space and he is coming from behind me! He has given way to Ramirez who is up front. The name of this track is "Solamente con Amor," and I can feel the love! Top notch musicianship throughout. I'm waiting for another up-tempo number for the drummer to have his due! Ah, now it's Washington's turn--a beautiful, languid, understated solo.
Rather than ramble on through the last two numbers, Ima hope you get the idea and get the disc. If we get a poll thread for this one, I'll bring it home! Stay Surrounded, Comrades!
EDIT: Ay Ay Ay! Kamasi is killing it on track four--I'm one big goosebump (sorry for that visual)! Pineda on the drums is driving him ever forward. Whoa--they've dropped out and it's Ramirez again up front with his lovely Latin piano. Seriously, all--if you dig Latin Jazz, get this. I'm back to listen.