Hart Ramsey | My Next Heartbeat
Album Review: Hart Ramsey | My Next Heartbeat
by Brent Faulkner
Producer, jazz pianist, and pastor Hart Ramsey returns with his sophomore smooth jazz effort, My Next Heartbeat. On Heartbeat, Hart Ramsey assembles a cast of talented musicians to support him. Having had the opportunity of reflecting on Ramsey’s debut effort, my enthusiasm to reflect upon his sophomore effort was high. My Next Heartbeat is another solid album comparable at times to Ramsey’s debut, even if it is a shade less enthralling. Throughout the thirteen solid cuts, Ramsey’s musicianship and creativity shines brightly, even through less standout cuts. If nothing else is notable about My Next Heartbeat, Ramsey’s passion and musicianship are certainly present through its seventy minute duration.
“Two Roads” is a mid-tempo, easy-listening opener. While solid, there is a ‘lack of urgency,’ making “Two Roads” enjoyable, but perhaps a bit ‘too casual.’ Regardless, saxophonist Kelley O’Neill delivers a great saxophone solo and riffs throughout. Sean Michael Ray, also a co-songwriter, delivers a fine sounding slap bass, not to mention Ramsey’s own superb electric piano solo. Pleasant, “Two Roads” yearns for more ‘pizzaz.’ Ramsey, the great musician and producer that he is, delivers the goods on standout “Written in Red,” which features grand MIDI synthesized horns and programming by the master himself. More exciting and ‘urgent’ than the opener, Ramsey delivers given his smart harmonic progression, and his use of differentiation and variation on this particular cut. His acoustic piano playing is ‘none too shabby’ in itself. The chivalrous “The Commitment” adds soulful vocals by Robert Moe: “I’ll never leave you/I’ll never go away.” Ramsey’s comping is superb; the production - where the volume levels of the acoustic piano are raised as the prominent part - is a reflection of Ramsey’s high IQ as both a musician and producer. Somewhat like the first cut, “The Commitment” could use an extra ‘push,’ but given it’s laid back, R&B-crossover feel, the ‘chill-factor’ of “The Commitment” is more than effective.
“See Into Me” has a moodier quality than previous cuts. Kevin O’Neill’s saxophone playing is low-key for the most part, until a rousing solo appears closer to the end of the cut. Ramsey as always impresses as a performer and producer. The main issue is the length, with this cut clocking in over six minutes. “Look You in the Face” is one of the album’s highlights, featuring one of the most laid-back, yet addictive grooves of the effort. The use of muted trumpet (Joey Summerville) in tandem with Ramsey’s acoustic piano lines is definitely ‘celestial.’ Ramsey’s electric piano patch as a backdrop is well conceived, as is Rick Watford’s subtle, soulful guitar. The title track (“My Next Heartbeat”) doesn’t lose any momentum, with Ramsey’s musicianship accentuated at the upmost level. Again, the MIDI orchestrations are beautiful, and the tasteful contributions from Kelley O’Neill on sax and Eric Essix on guitar make “My Next Heartbeat” a winner. Six tracks in, Ramsey does not ‘drop the ball.’
“In Spite of Myself” is enjoyable, though not revolutionary. That said, Rick Watford’s guitar work is exceptional and highlights the cut. “Until The End of Time” and “Merry Heart (Like Medicine)” similarly are strong, though not necessarily the ‘cream of the crop.’ “Cover Me” is lovely, featuring a solid underlying harmonic progression and an incredibly ‘fiery,’ though low-key groove. Ramsey’s soloing on keyboards is superb while O’Neill shines as always. “Start Now” is pleasant while penultimate cut “The Better Part” sounds a bit too similar to previous cuts. “Don’t Be Afraid to Try Again” ends the album solid enough with its R&B-ish groove.
Overall, My Next Heartbeat is solid. The main flaw might be the length and repetitiveness of a couple of tracks. At seventy minutes, the album runs a bit long as a whole. Flaws aside, Ramsey has delivered another solid smooth jazz affair. Even if it’s not as exciting as his debut at times, this sophomore album shows how powerful and noteworthy Ramsey’s musicianship is. Furthermore, there is definitely a certain spiritualness given off by Ramsey’s uplifting music.
Brent Faulkner
The Urban Music Scene
Posted by Administration at 11/16/2011 4:51 PM 
Categories: Urban Jazz, Jazz, Contemporary Jazz
Tags: Jazz
Categories: Urban Jazz, Jazz, Contemporary Jazz
Tags: Jazz
Comments