Opinions on Nguyen Le's recent Dark Side of the Moon album?

[Brad to the Bone]

Anyone heard this and can offer opinions? Are the songs mostly straight covers or does he do anything particularly unique with the arrangements? I like most of Le's stuff that I've heard but am largely indifferent to the source material here.

[Zeuhlmate]

Doesnt sound very PF'ish:
Sounds great (havent heard the rest)

[Steve F.]

It's not out in the USA until next month. I'll hear it when our copies arrive. The arrangements are by Michael Gibbs, who is a mighty arranger and the performances are by the NDR Big Band, who is also ace.

[BobM]

I really like that preview. This is going on the list to check out when it comes out, though I haven't always liked his previous interpretations of songs. Usually pretty far out.

[wideopenears]

I am positive it will sound nothing like the original.
It's an auto-buy for me, like all Nguyen Le's work.

[No Pride]

I like most of Le's stuff that I've heard but am largely indifferent to the source material here.

Generally when a jazz musician or band does "covers," the source material takes a back seat to the arranging and performance.

Doesnt sound very PF'ish:
Sounds great

Sure does!

The arrangements are by Michael Gibbs, who is a mighty arranger and the performances are by the NDR Big Band, who is also ace.

Agreed on both counts! The NDR Big Band is from Germany and their work is actually commissioned by the government; pretty cool! They've done work with all sorts of composers and players and can play virtually anything they're presented with.

I am positive it will sound nothing like the original.
like all Nguyen Le's work.

I've only heard a couple of his albums, but yeah, he's a great guitar player! Sometimes he sounds like an American fusion player, but other times his Vietnamese roots are present and it gives him a unique edge.

[Brad to the Bone]

It's not out in the USA until next month.

Strange. I saw it for sale here in Ottawa back in November.

[interbellum]

I am positive it will sound nothing like the original.

I think that counts even more for Jazz Side Of The Moon from Sam Yahel. Here's his take on Money.

But this one sure sounds fine.

[Steve F.]

Strange. I saw it for sale here in Ottawa back in November.

It's out. But it's a pricey import as opposed to a less expensive, US distributed release.

[jkelman]

Strange. I saw it for sale here in Ottawa back in November.

ACT has a different distribution deal here than in the US.