Manu Katche

Manu Katche has been a favorite of mine since I became familiar with his
work with Peter Gabriel and Sting.

When I read a previous recommendation for "Playground" and
"Neighborhood", I immediately checked them out and purchased
"Playground".

It’s a pleasant, easy listening style of jazz. Perhaps perfect for background,
dining or reading music. I don’t find much in it that's challenging, new or
particularly interesting. Mostly, it strikes me as commercial, New Age jazz. It's well played and well recorded.

If you seek these titles out with the idea of hearing something inventive from
one of he world's best drummers, I believe you will be disappointed.
However, if you approach the music from the standpoint of pleasant, mellow,
piano jazz, then it will likely please.

Brainwater, I was a drummer for many years. I am very appreciative of the
subtleties of percussion, and I appreciate what Katche is doing on these
recordings.

I am not debating the quality of the music or playing. I'm primarily
highlighting the style, which is not particularly innovative, and unlike what many
Katche fans might expect. So, if one is curious, the I suggest playing the
samples available on Amazon before buying the disc.

I love Tomasz Stanko Quartet's "Suspended Night.

If you like Stanko, you may also like Nik Bartsch's Ronin "Holon".