V-loop Trio: "Kindred Souls" CD reviews
City Link Magazine review
“Really fine jazz-fusion from guitarist-composer Val Lupescu and his V-loop Trio on their new CD, Kindred Souls. The album features all original songs by Lupescu, some bordering on the rock instrumental tip, but all beautifully played by Val, bassist Jorge Albuquerque and drummer Glenn Williams. Especially evocative are the tracks “Summerland” and “Green” (composed by Albuquerque), the first featuring South Florida guitarist Duane Allen…”
Bob Weinberg, CITY LINK magazine
JAM Magazine review
"For many lovers of jazz, the true bliss of hearing a great band comes when the group leaves the tracks, so to speak, and begins making things up on the spot. This trio is stunning on the rails, but obviously still working on its spontaneous chops. Much of the disc is very Chuck Mangione in its positive swinginess as with the buoyant "Pictures of You." Spiky, spiraling guitar and unison runs cascade over a punchy and persuasive bass. "Flowers for Jenny" dances in with a bossa nova feel and there's an intergalactic groove to the shimmering, cymbal-bathed "Summerland." Guitarist Val Lupescu has a heart-breaking ear for melody that is on fine display in the melancholy wanderings of "Green," which walks in a sort of classical jazz realm. This tune in particular flows like honey and bassist Jorge Albuquerque is the buttery biscuit, warm and tasty. Someone's got a nice voice in there scattin', too. Drummer Glenn Williams has a nicely refined style and his brushwork on the closer "Dark City" is an ear-tickling delight. Try headphones. These guys look pretty young, so they've got time to age this already potent wine."
Bing Futch, JAM Magazine, Florida's Music Magazine #297, 03.23.00
INTERNET REVIEWS
"... The trio calls to mind some of the stylings of the Wayne Krantz trio in its concept. Interplay is solid and the original compositions are enjoyable."
David Dorkin, FUSE MAGAZINE online: http://www.fusemag.com
"In a nutshell -- this is
a fine first offering for this relatively young and
energetic jazz trio. Val Lupescu...plays
solidly pleasing and at times exciting jazz guitar. His styles
range through such greats as Wayne Johnson, Pat Metheny, Steve
Khan, Andy Summers, with brief flashes of Carlos Santana and even
Mike Stern. Jorge Albuquerque of Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil, is the intricately tight and melodic bassist.
Glenn Williams of South Florida, USA,
gives a wonderfully expressive and professional performance on
drums. Duane Allen guests on solo guitars
on two tracks. Eight songs are offered, ranging the jazz
menu from upbeat, crunchy fusion to
"your-table-is-ready" mellow lounge jazz.
Musicianship is flawless throughout. All compositions are
by Lupescu except for the notably outstanding track,
"Green" by Albuquerque. He offers a wonderful bass solo
on this cut that is deftly overlayed with that
Badrena/Bensonesque scat-along vocalization. "Pictures
of You" and "What If" opened up things with
excellent fusion punch and grit, as well as great unison
lines. And after some mellowing out, "Delusion"
offers a phat bass groove with Sternish overdriven guitar
tone. Hear Duane Allen solo in a meaner, fusion-fired,
reverbed growl. I could go for a future release of nothing but
songs like these three. I even caught a whiff of bluesy-rock
Scott Henderson here. FROM THE
BAND... Our debut
release is entitled "Kindred Souls", and refers to the transcending quality of music. Music is a universal language which goes beyond any
borders and can unite people of different backgrounds into becoming
"Kindred Souls". The CD contains
eight original instrumental compositions. Songs like Pictures
of You, What If, Delusion and V-loop Blues
showcase our jazz-fusion and funk influences. Flowers for
Jenny is a flowing bossa-nova composition, dedicated to
Val's wife, Jennifer Lupescu. Summerland is influenced by the ECM style,
reminiscent of the "Bright Size Life" release
from guitarist Pat Metheny. Green is a beatiful ballad
written by bassist Jorge Albuquerque, featuring a lyrical melody
and a fluid bass solo. Dark City is a waltz with a dark,
modal tonality. Guitarist Duane Allen, is also featured on
this release, taking the first solo in Summerland and
the second solo in Delusion. Duane is currently
performing with saxophonist Dave Goldberg in the Goldberg/Allen Quartet.
We outro with two laidback cuts of tastefully blue and lazy-day,
dreamy jazz. If you like Wayne Johnson, Andy Summers' later solo
releases, Steve Khan, and quality guitar-driven jazz then I
recommend The V-loop Trio. Who knows what other fine
releases you may hear from this group if this release does
well? Support your local jazz musician for happy ears.
John W. Patterson, AAJ Fusion/Progressive Editor All About Jazz.com