Drummer Magazine (UK)

by Brent Keefe, Music Critic, January 2007, Issue 39

Album rating:  FOUR STARS

Drummer Magazine Ratings:

Must have it Beasley’s credits list Fender Rhodes and CPU on his latest release, recorded live at LA’s Baked Potato in 2004, and featuring the ubiquitous Dave Carpenter on electric bass alongside the incredible Gary Novak on drums and saxophonist Ralph Moore.  The CPU credit pertains presumably to Beasley’s use of samples and electronics, which are key to the album’s sound – reminiscent of an updated Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters.  Definitely worth checking out.

BASSPLAYER Magazine

By Chris Jisi | August 2006 

Veteran L.A. keyboardist/composer Beasley—who’s worked with Freddie Hubbard and Steely Dan, as well as on American Idol—turns heads and ears at the Baked Potato with his probing, two-bass quintet. Carlos Del Puerto locks it down all night on upright, while Dave Carpenter takes a guitar-like role on 6-string bass, with tasty comps, fills, and two Patitucci-esque solos. Both gents then team up for a massive ostinato on the aptly titled “Altogether Marvelous.”

CD Baby.com

July 5, 2005

Composer, producer, and pianist, John Beasley, releases his 6th album, One Night Live. Recorded live in July 2004 at the renown Baked Potato in Hollywood, Beasley poses the question What happens when you fuse ambient sound, samples and electronics with traditional jazz and blues? Backed by drummer Gary Novak, [Chick Corea, Alanis Morisette] Bassists’ Dave Carpenter [Herbbie Hancock, Alan Holdsworth] & Carlos Del Puerto [Kevin Ubanks, Chucho Valdez], along with “Tonight Show” Saxophonist Ralph Moore, [Roy Haynes, Kenny Baron] the result is a brilliant collage of texture, rhythm, soul and originality that suggests that Beasley has recast the familiar jazz quintet as the modern version of the untraditional.