Stuff (2) – Stuff

I think this group has been widely misunderstood and misinterpreted. Are the flavors here typically mild and inoffensive? Yes. But the playing is absolutely tight, the arrangements and harmonic structures are familiar and friendly, and there’s a contemplative atmosphere underlying the record as a whole between the more boisterous numbers. “Sun Song” is the standout for me. Am I just a sappy sucker? Maybe…

Great album! Wide variety of jazz styles and moods similar to Chuck Mangione. If you like Chuck you will like Stuff.

I agree with the principal of what others have said of this album, but treat it like a shimmering blueprint for jazz tinged yacht rock, and you’ll find plenty to enjoy. It’s worth it just for Richard Tee’s piano and organ work. The rest of the band is extraordinary too.

This "stuff" is horrible. Absolutely horrible. And from such a talented group of fantastic musicians! Sounds way too contrived for my taste. And "happy". No bite. Of course, to each their own and your own mileage may vary.

You know, usually when a critic dogs an album, I usually gravitate to it. I am one of those people who like what others would not touch. With that being said though, I have to say the critics had this one right on the money. I never heard of "Stuff", so I took a chance and bought it. It's not bad, but like it's been said, there nothing here that grabs ahold of you to make you go ooohhh! I guess, once again that's what I expect from '70's music, especially R&B and Jazz. I listen for that fusion sound, but it's not here. Now, that's not to say that it dosen't have it's moments. Songs like "Foots", "My Sweetness", and "Dixie / Up On The Roof", flirt with greatness, but never really reaches it. I guess what I am trying to say is that it sounds more like session playing than an actual group creating. I just guess that my standards are really high. I do say this, Eric Gale and company can play, and that's what carries this album.