Eric Marienthal
Dave weckl
Dean Brown
Mike Miller
Karen Briggs
Randy Brecker
Russell Ferrante
Romero Wyatt
Kevin Peter Jones
Jimi Mbaye
Ashley Maher
Brad Booth
Scott Hedges
Adrian Green
Eli Staples
Kyle Whelan
Monica Ssali
Sunanda Kishore
Xantha and Kelvin
Yacouba Sissoko
Reviews on Cheikh Ndoye's Debut Album "A Child's Tale"
CHEIKH NDOYE/Child’s Tale: How in hell do you get the kind of cats to show up on a DIY debut recording that this one has? You really have to have something on the ball. This young bass ace has a lot of moments that feel like throwbacks to civil rights era jazz but on the whole, the moments are pretty much in the moment. Drawing from Melvin Van Peebles as much as Ray Brown, this is almost audio verite jazz having the kind of mixed media presence that shows this cat didn’t grow up in a bubble. Certainly a solid pit stop for left leaning tastes, this set is that kind of different set that really grabs hold. Maybe not for everyone, but those in the know will know.
MIDWEST RECORD,
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Cheikh Ndoye has lived in the U.S. for about 10 years since leaving his native Senegal, where as a teenager he was inspired to take up the electric bass upon hearing Jaco Pastorius. He subsequently received encouragement and guidance from two heavyweights of the instrument, Richard Bona and Jimmy Haslip. A Child's Tale is Ndoye's debut release, an eclectic mix of Bob James's covers, more African-rooted originals, and fusion/contemporary hybrids.
"Rewmi" features the versatile veterans Eric Marienthal, Russell Ferrante and Mike Miller. Ndoye's vibrantly melodic opening statement sets the yearning, contemplative mood. Ferrante's concise yet radiant solo spot precedes Marienthal's keen-edged delivery of the spiraling theme. Marienthal's soprano sax solo exudes a controlled emotional heat, and is quickly followed by Miller's less restrained workout, the guitarist propelled along by Ferrante's emphatic chords. Alas, a fadeout ending comes much too soon. The slick Bob James tracks may garner the most attention, but "Rewmi" is probably more representative of Ndoye's vision.
Jazz.com,
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Originally from West Africa and now residing in Maryland, I first met Cheikh online via Myspace. I was instantly struck not only by his abilities on the instrument, but by his overall musicality (in addition to being one of the kindest cats I've had the pleasure of meeting). When made aware of his upcoming debut release, I couldn't wait to get my ears in it! Featuring such luminaries as Dave Weckl, Russell Ferrante, Dean Brown, Eric Marienthal & Randy Brecker you may have an idea of what to expect. In addition is a cast of musicians, all of whom bring depth and an ebullient energy to Cheikh's music.
Cheikh's writing is very musical and engaging and, I must say, quite mature for a debut album! He is endlessly melodic in approach and serves the music well. Both a wonderful bass player and melodic soloist I know that we'll be hearing a lot from this phenomenal talent for years to come
Damian Erskine,
Bass musician magazine, , , , ,
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Cheikh Ndoye’s debut CD is distinctive if just for the number of “name” artists who agreed to work with the young and amazingly technically proficient bassist. With Randy Brecker, Russell Ferrante and Eric Marienthal, among others, on hand to share their talents you know Ndoye must have a garnered a great deal of respect among his fellow jazz musicians. Originally from Senegal, West Africa, Ndoye has been in the United States for about ten years. Self-taught as a youngster, he has become known as a Richard Bona protégé for the work Ndoye has done in studying with the master bassist.
If this CD was cut in the 1970s, it would have perfectly fit into the jazz of the day. This mix of Bob James’ covers, African-rooted originals and fusion/contemporary songs today with the over-marketing of jazz genres fits somewhere between smooth jazz and traditional straight-ahead styles. The smooth jazz elements include sweet rhythm grooves, beautiful melodies and the use of electric keyboards. On the traditional side, there are long extended solos where the artists are given plenty of space to develop their ideas to full fruition.
With regard to Ndoye’s technique, immediately on the opening short composition “Siguil,” he rips off a scalular passage so clean and quick you’d almost swear it was a synthesizer. On other tracks, such as “A Child’s Tale” and “Rewmi,” Ndoye’s playing is precise and rhythmically articulate to the point of perfection. Throughout the disc it’s easy why so many top name players wanted to work with him. He’s both a technical master and a deeply artistic soul.
Among the other stellar performers on this disc include Kyle Whelan. His saxophone playing is deeply oriented to the groove and he never lets his thoughtful soloistic intelligence get out of hand. Eric Marienthal takes a brilliant turn on the Bob James penned “Night Beat.” It’s about time other jazz artists started covering the Bob James catalog of songs and Marienthal shows taste both in fitting his playing to the rhythm section’s understated groove as well as showcasing that uniquely wonderful distinctive tone of his.
Russell Ferrante’s keyboard playing on the five tracks he appears on help to demonstrate why he’s so in demand. His ability to voice chords and provide the right kind of harmonic support at just the right moments makes him uniquely situated for this project. Perhaps nowhere are his talents most appreciated than on “Alchemy West.” His light fills and delightful sense of when to lay back and when to come forward provide the space the other artists need to make this track the CD’s best tune.
Make no mistake about it, Ndoye is the straw that stirs the mix of musical elements to their utmost blend. By picking the right musicians for the right charts, supplying a wonderfully precise and cleanly driven bass line to push the elements forward, as well as fashion wonderful motor rhythms for the artists to use as a sound cushion for their own ideas, Ndoye is an artist who be warmly reckoned with for a long time.
Once in while we experience the oncoming of an artist that in all respects seems to be ahead of his time. The depth of this kind of artistry on every level is more than evident on the debut release of the bassist Cheikh Ndoye. The well known term “young lion”, seemingly has reached even greater heights as of late with such artists as Esperanza Spaulding and Hadrien Feraud breaking incredible ground musically at such a young age, and there’s no Doubt that Cheikh will be added to this prestigious and very short list of inspired young artists.
His command of this instrument most certainly defies his experienced musical years, but this is only a part of what generates this kind of attention to an individual. The gift of interacting musically at a very high level with those around you is that needed component that defines virtuosity, and Cheikh most certainly walks that walk. To create a symbiotic interaction with the kind of players featured on this CD is a rare occasion for any player, much less one as youthful as Cheikh. To not only blend in but inspire such greats as Russel Ferrante, Dave Weckl, Eric Marienthal, Karen Briggs, Dean Brown and Randy Brecker on this project, to name just a few, is a badge most any player would like to wear.
It is also worth noting that his gift of composition is an equal level to his virtuosity. This CD blends a vast array of musical cultures and seems to represent the best of what might be the 21th century’s definition of the term “fusion”.
In a Time when, in one man’s opinion, the music business can feel a bit scattered and unfocused, it’s great to see that there are talented individuals very committed to the “art” of being an “artist”, and Cheikh seems to be yet another shining example of what can transpire when the “music” is first and foremost in the mind of the individual. As the great jazz guitarist Pat Martino stated ”just be true to your art and yourself, and things will most certainly come your way” , I believe this young man receive the notoriety he has already earned due to his passion for his art that is evident he obviously lives and breathes.
Happy Thanksgiving! Time to be thankful for what we have, for whom we have in our lives and for what we can give to others to make their lives easier. I wish you health & happiness! Lori
Dear Cheikh , it's been a long time I couldnt visit your space my friend.You are one of the great bass player around myspace ,I cant get enough to listen to your playing man! Absolutely inspiring... Stay Well CK
I miss playing with you Cheikh!! No one can bring the funk and thump like you! I love your new CD and I'm hoping we can collaborate on some future projects. Arch and I will be playing at Creme Cafe and Lounge on U St. NW on 9/18 for happy hour (6-8). Bring some friends and come out and hear us play. Roberto
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