Hadrien Feraud CD

[MikeBass]

Umm...WOW!!!
I just recieved a copy a few weeks back, and I gotta tell you, with all these "wanna-be" Marcus Millers/Victor Wootens doing their thumping and double thumping with out ANY concept of what the hell they are doing, this is a nice breathe of fresh air.

As another post was put up, I too can hear sounds of Matt Garrison at times. Maybe even Tony Grey/Janek Gwizdala too, but Hadrien has a "thing" going on here, and it's his own "thing".

I don't have Industrial Zen, so I can't compare it to the playing there, but this disc has that uptown NYC fusion vibe without being pretentious.
No "look at me and how cool and out I can play but still stay in context" stuff going on. Just good (and CLEAN) honest playing.

This is going to be an interesting journey we are going on with Hadrien. This is his first solo disc, and he's already crushing others who have been established for a long time.

Sure he can burn, but he doesn't get out of control and loose sounding. Always sound like he knows where and most importantly- why he's playing what he's playing.

And he's playing a Smith. And it doesn't sound like a Smith.
I didn't think that was possible!!!!

If double thumping and more smooth jazz "slap lead" bass playing is your thing, then do one of two things:
1) Don't buy it, because you may dig it, but it's not your bag- wait for the next Marcus disc (which sounded like the last two IMO)
2) Buy it because it will give you insite to a young and upcoming player who is sure to be a common "bass name".
And hell, you may just dig it!!

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Did you order it internationally? Amazon doesn't get it until June 26th, and when I check AbstractLogix a month back they didn't have it either.

[Grueber]

Originally Posted by MikeBass

Umm...WOW!!!
I just recieved a copy a few weeks back, and I gotta tell you, with all these "wanna-be" Marcus Millers/Victor Wootens doing their thumping and double thumping with out ANY concept of what the hell they are doing, this is a nice breathe of fresh air.

just curious which bassists your referring to.

[Mike Flynn]

Hey Mike

Yes it's a great album - I definitely think Hadrien has his own 'voice' and 'thing' happening already - he has chops but they are musical as hell, but sh*t man, they are scary too. I already got an advance copy and have listened to it a lot and keep hearing new stuff - though I'm sure HF doesn't see this as some bass competition - Linley Marthe can match him note for note, so he's not the only scary bastard on the block - but it is refreshing to hear another young guy really making a personal statement - but I hasten to add there are tons of great players out there - Hadrien is one of them!

My earlier post on the CD:

New Hadrien Feraud CD preview/review

Definitely worth checking out.

Mike

PS Matt Garrison digs this a lot as well

[narud]

Originally Posted by Mike Flynn

Hey Mike

Yes it's a great album - I definitely think Hadrien has his own 'voice' and 'thing' happening already - he has chops but they are musical as hell, but sh*t man, they are scary too. I already got an advance copy and have listened to it a lot and keep hearing new stuff - though I'm sure HF doesn't see this as some bass competition - Linley Marthe can match him note for note, so he's not the only scary bastard on the block - but it is refreshing to hear another young guy really making a personal statement - but I hasten to add there are tons of great players out there - Hadrien is one of them!

My earlier post on the CD:

New Hadrien Feraud CD preview/review

Definitely worth checking out.

Mike

PS Matt Garrison digs this a lot as well

compared to linley, i think you can really hear all the lines hadriens playing when he does the super fast stuff. ive seen linley live a few times and reminds me more of the stanley way of playing fast where you can really pick out the lines but more of a "sheets of sound" thing

[Mike Flynn]

Originally Posted by narud

compared to linley, i think you can really hear all the lines hadriens playing when he does the super fast stuff. ive seen linley live a few times and reminds me more of the stanley way of playing fast where you can really pick out the lines but more of a "sheets of sound" thing

Definitely, but HF and LM have something else in common in that they are both highly accomplished keyboard players who obviously know harmony to a high level etc. There are a few little bass 'interludes' on the album where they trade lines - and they both play Giant Steps in a similar way, I'd say HF is way more melodic though. But Linley live is just a rhythm onslaught - it's got it's 'wow' moments but it's not exactly tuneful - I still dig what he does - his two finger picking is some of the fastest I've ever seen / heard...

M

[MikeBass]

Originally Posted by Grueber

just curious which bassists your referring to.

I'll make you a list later , but at Low Down Sound (www.lowdownsound.com) they sell "bass player" CD's.
Meaning CD's by bass players like Matt Garrison, HF and the like.

It's funny when they receive independent releases and it's like hearing a bad Marcus or Wooten.

(how come I knew someone would ask that question.....BTW if you would like to start this debate, lets start a new thread, not clutter this one)

[Baryonyx]

Originally Posted by Grueber

just curious which bassists your referring to.

+1 I'd like to see this list. I've seen plenty of sloppy amateurs via Youtube and such, but ever heard a release from any of them.

But yes, I don't have his solo album, but on Industrial Zen Hadrien stood tall next to Garrison and managed to make Tony Grey look like the "worst" bassist on that record, and topping Tony is just...wow!

[narud]

Originally Posted by Chris2112

+1 I'd like to see this list. I've seen plenty of sloppy amateurs via Youtube and such, but ever heard a release from any of them.

But yes, I don't have his solo album, but on Industrial Zen Hadrien stood tall next to Garrison and managed to make Tony Grey look like the "worst" bassist on that record, and topping Tony is just...wow!

imo, hadrien is blowing all those guys out of the water right now. i like his writing a lot better, the other musicians on his album a lot better (drummer damien schmitt is amazing) and the stuff hes doing just sounds effortless. his playing on his solo album is a good notch or two above whats on industrial zen. ugh, i sound like such a fanboy

[Grueber]

Originally Posted by MikeBass

I'll make you a list later , but at Low Down Sound (www.lowdownsound.com) they sell "bass player" CD's.
Meaning CD's by bass players like Matt Garrison, HF and the like.

It's funny when they receive independent releases and it's like hearing a bad Marcus or Wooten.

(how come I knew someone would ask that question.....BTW if you would like to start this debate, lets start a new thread, not clutter this one)

no debate really, I just think they "know what the hell they are doing"

As for his solo CD, I might pick it up. I liked his playing on Industrial Zen

[MikeBass]

Originally Posted by Grueber

no debate really, I just think they "know what the hell they are doing"

As for his solo CD, I might pick it up. I liked his playing on Industrial Zen

Sure they may know what they are doing, they have to just to pull it off.
But sometimes I hear stuff that is there just for the sake of "being there".

IMO, that kinda falls into the "what the hell are they doing?"
Anyway, this isn't about that.

I *THINK* HF's CD will be on iTunes US in June sometime.

[fretless Bob]

i really love the album and man he is Burning!! i really like Marie Ael, and the version of giant steps is killer also.

i see great things in the future for him.


Dave

[Scopaz]

Hello all-
I figured rather than starting another new thread about my review I would add it here.

Fusion is back and in a new and exciting way. The first thing that struck me about the recordings were the tunes. There is a wealth of great melody and harmony. I will try and not rehash what Mike has already stated.

Personally, I appreciated the touch of Accordian as a welcome and fresh sound to the themes of the tunes. It took me a couple listens to realize that save for one song with some trumpet, the album is horn free. I usually like to hear more horns than this, but have found I never miss it here.

Another thing that struck me was how it reminded of just how versatile bass can be. My favorite tune on the album so far is a track titled 'Marie Ael'. The mix of Dominique and Hadrien with drums and accordian is proof that great music can be made with anything. The sound reminds me of 4 track or 8 track versions of bass player demos when multitracking 2 or 3 basses, only here it is high quality and high power top level playing.

As most bass players know, we need great drummers to provide us with co-foundation to make the tunes breathe and groove. Although not household names yet, Jon Grancamp, Damien Schmitt, Julien Tekeyan & Mokhtar Samba are some of the baddest drummers I have never heard! I have seen some YouTube clips with Damien though and knew he was going to bring it.

It goes without saying that Hadrien's playing is impeccable. His lines are always precise and complete thoughts that are executed flawlessly at any tempo. I also like the other comment about it being a Smith. I owned Smiths for years and mine never sounded that way. For being so young, Hadrien certainly sounds more mature in his playing than 23. I cannot wait to hear more.

The CD definitely has a Weather Report vibe from the chord voicings and sound patches via the keyboards. But that is where that comparison ends for me. The bulk of the performances and mix are very modern sounding utilizing various elements of electronica and drum & bass.

Lastly, McLaughlin and Lagrene are killing on this CD too. I think the surprise tune for me was the treatment of 'Rhapsody in Blue'. It is inspiring to hear what can be done with familiar tunes.

Heading on tour in late summer early fall, try and go support Hadrien and his crew. I plan on seeing him in Chicago and Champagne. I hope this marks a new era of live performances and a resurgance in appreciation for live music, especially in this realm.

Well done Hadrien. See you soon.
Scott Pazera

[polo515]

Got my copy this week and there's a lot to listen to and digest. So far I am loving it. Great melody, chops and "youthful aggression."
I hope to catch Hadrien live with JM in September in NYC. This is a bassist that we will hear a lot from going forward...back to the woodshed.

[MikeBass]

It's a great disc no doubt.
It's in HIGH rotation on my iPod.

[Twistad]

Amazing album, there's a lot to digest and I know I'll be listening to it for a long time.

Hadrien is a huge inspiration to me, I think he has the potential to become one of the great.

[jerry]

Originally Posted by Scopaz

The CD definitely has a Weather Report vibe from the chord voicings and sound patches via the keyboards.

The song 'Shall We Love?' really channels Zawinul. I've been digging this album all week, very scary debut album!

[LM Bass]

Just downloading it from iTunes now.
Thanks for the heads up!
LM

[HADRIEN FERAUD]

Hi everybody...
I'm sorry to be so late , but i'm on the road so very often...

I don't know how to thank you in the right way...(my english...lol )
MikeBass & Mike Flynn and Scott and my other friends , you've been , since the begining , my strong supporters ...I'll never forget that .
I'm so glad you all liked my album ..
It was done with my heart and with people I love ...Trying to take out of me what i feel with the music and with the bass .
I thank a lot , all the friends who are geting this Album , and i would appreciate your feedback even you don't like it ! Your feelings are very important .
I'm happy to know that I will meet most of you during the John's McL US Tour , next september.

Again , so many Thanks for all your good vibes .

Hadrien

[MikeBass]

Originally Posted by hadfero

Hi everybody...
I'm sorry to be so late , but i'm on the road so very often...

I don't know how to thank you in the right way...(my english...lol )
MikeBass & Mike Flynn and Scott and my other friends , you've been , since the begining , my strong supporters ...I'll never forget that .
I'm so glad you all liked my album ..
It was done with my heart and with people I love ...Trying to take out of me what i feel with the music and with the bass .
I thank a lot , all the friends who are geting this Album , and i would appreciate your feedback even you don't like it ! Your feelings are very important .
I'm happy to know that I will meet most of you during the John's McL US Tour , next september.

Again , so many Thanks for all your good vibes .

Hadrien

It's my pleasure my friend.
And I hope that you come through the Detroit area so we can meet.