scoundrel, May 25, 2004
The second album from Gerd, High, Wide and Wonderful!, will come as a surprise to those who were expecting another tech-funk album along the lines of This Touch Is Greater Than Moods. Instead, Gerd flies into downtempo territory, with flares of Brazilian and Latin music. And, as an album, it’s quite good in itself. “Malaguena” has such a wonderful bass and sparkling melodic line that it’s impossible to frown while listening to it. “Clarao De Lua,” with its mysterious and delicate Portuguese vocals, is comparable to anything the Thievery Corporation has done, while “I Dream You” is a easygoing journey through Relaxville. The Latin influences are in full effect on “Que Mango!” and “Another Kind of Spring” skims along on a nice double bass. Sure, given the proliferation of Latin-based downtempo, it might not be the most unique, and certainly it’s not as influential as their debut album, but it’s solid music nonetheless.
4.1/5 (