Eastwood's Now is an interesting hybrid of style. The title track is the most successful with its addictive chugging rhythms of Manu Katche on drums and co-writer Michael Jefry Stevens on piano. “I Can't Remember" with Ben Cullum's wispy vocals and Eastwood's bass shines on “Leave It," throbbing sensually under Cullum's air-thin vocals. “September Nights" assumes a bit of a techno fusion feel with Michael Stevens' keyboards shimmering. “Nasty Girl" laces funk rhythm with melodic trills in a mostly satisfying blend. The set ends on a high note with “How Y'all Doin'" & features Graeme Flowers' trumpet.
Eastwood's basslines are so hypnotic, the piano solo, played by John Beasley, in style, smooth jazz per se, more jazz fusion but it is very accessible and the musicians are excelent, especially Eastwood himself who mostly plays electric bass but goes acoustic on two songs: “I Can't Remember" and “How Y'all Doin'". Really... Eastwood proves hands down that passion will prevail when you get outside the box.
This sophisticated album also features a rich smattering of tasty vocals on cleverly written songs sung and penned in part by Ben Cullum (brother of singer Jamie Cullum).
The merge between the sonic environments is done with grace and ease and makes for a captivating experience. Eastwood has been flirting with acid jazz, beats & bass and progressive jazz for years, however until NOW he hasn't quite landed smack dab in the middle of the money. The influences of this project have combined to create a collection of songs that are appealing to listeners on so many levels and from diverse backgrounds.
Having grown up in a jazz culture here on the Monterey Peninsula, the prolific musician has managed to harness his jazz upbringing while allowing his Euro surroundings to infuse his music. Kyle and his family reside in Paris. The eldest son of the Hollywood star Clint Eastwood, like father like son, the Eastwoods have been collaborating with their art forms over the years.
Eastwood senior had been attending the Monterey Jazz Fest since it began in 1958 and when his children were born it became a yearly family outing as it was only fifteen minutes away from where they lived. Being the son of one of the most famous men in the world gave Kyle immediate access backstage to meet huge jazz stars who were performing at that time such as Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Buddy Rich, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and many more.
It was only when Kyle turned eighteen that he started to dabble on the electric bass, jamming with high school mates in Pebble Beach and learning Led Zeppelin and Motown basslines by ear. With a little help from his fathers friends Kyle was influenced to pick up the double bass after having met Ray Brown and John Clayton, also spending a lot of time on set with Lenny Niehaus who wrote the score for the film BIRD which Clint directed in honour of Charlie Parker. Through Niehaus Kyle met Buell Neidlinger, the bassist who had worked with Cecil Taylor, Ornette Coleman and The Boston Symphony Orchestra. Luckily for Kyle not only did he have the pleasure of meeting some of these great names - he was sometimes taught by them too.
After years of paying his dues gigging around New York and Los Angeles Kyle finally struck a deal with SONY who released his first album FROM THERE TO HERE in 1998 which features the vocal talent of Joni Mitchell. The album is an upbeat collection of jazz standards and original music and was critically well received.
Very sharp work. Theres no denying Kyle has imagination and skill
The Observer
Thoughtful, contemplative, admirably understated and highly listenable
Evening Standard
Showing his ability as an accomplished composer, Kyle started to get into films with a contribution to the score for MYSTIC RIVER. The film later went on to win two Oscars.
Kyle was living in London and collaborating with long time friend and music producer Michael Jefry Stevens on new material. It was whilst living in London that he made the acquaintance of Alan Bates, CEO of Candid Records and it was though Candid that Kyle released the international hit Paris Blue which went on to sell many thousands worldwide.
Not being satisfied just with a critically acclaimed record, Kyle continued to work heavily within the movie industry by compositing three pieces of music for the 2004 blockbuster MILLION DOLLAR BABY, which stared Hillary Swank and Morgan Freeman. The film went on to win four Academy Awards.
October 2006 was the date chosen for the release of Kyle's second CANDID album NOW. This record, produced by Michael Stevens, features songs written and sung by Ben Cullum and the BBC British Jazz Award winning pianist Andrew McCormack. Kyle toured promoting NOW in Europe, US and Japan before returning to America to work on two new film projects with his father, FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS, LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA and GRAN TORINO.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
