New Review in JazzTimes!

02.10.12 by Jesse

New review of Homebrew from Bill Milkowski over at JazzTimes!!

Brooklyn-based electric pianist Jesse Fischer is the ringleader of a rotating cast of jammers dedicated to party-time grooves and retro jazz-funk-fusion. “Basement Jam” opens with a rocking, handclapping boogaloo riff before morphing into some slam-funk with swirling interplay between the horns. The core sextet is augmented by special guests, including trumpeter Sean Jones on the slow-grooving “K.C. Bounce,” vibraphonist Stefon Harris on the chill-out number, “Natural Light,” turntablist Ty Adams on the hip-hop-influenced “Nuyorican Vibes,” trumpeter Jean Caze on the ambitious drum ’n’ bass-meets-Bobbi Humphrey number “Dark Waters” and vocalist Gretchen Parlato on a soul-jazz interpretation of Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend.”

Read the full review here.

Review in Echoes magazine (U.K.)

12.08.11 by Jesse

New review in Echoes magazine (U.K.)! “A moving feast that veers between Staxy punch, funky, horn led dance workouts and cooler, occasionally vocal-led, soft jazz, the style is simple, straightforward and impressively delivered.” (4/5 stars)

New review from SoulTracks!

09.26.11 by Jesse

“Each track is bursting with wild and subtle changes in pace and tempo, fiery exchanges between the musicians and some creative soloing and improvisation. [...] Fischer and Soul Cycle [take] the road less travelled to create an extremely enjoyable album. Highly Recommended.”

Read the full review here.

First Homebrew Review on GrownFolksMusic.com!

09.18.11 by Jesse

First advance review of Homebrew, from Ivan Orr over at GrownFolksMusic.com! I’m really excited because not only did Ivan like the music, he really got the whole Homebrew concept! Check out what he had to say:

…I mean we all have had the experience where we’ve had something that is homebrewed that is far superior to any corporate offering; it’s just that the homebrew doesn’t have the corporate dollars to buy mindshare, but we know that it tastes better, feels better, sounds better…

Fantastic playing all around, sonically warm, interesting and adventurous arranging; this is an entire set that you need to listen to, not a series of singles. Homebrew is due out 9.27.11 — my recommendation is to purchase, press play and then tell or tweet a friend or ten friends or more.

Read the full review here.

“You’ve Got a Friend” featured on ThisIsRealMusic.com!

09.09.11 by Jesse

“You’ve Got a Friend” was featured over at ThisIsRealMusic.com!

Check out this new tune from Soul Cycle featuring Gretchen Parlato off of the new album Homebrew due out Sept 27th. This soulful jazz sound is just what I needed for the Fall. Check them out and support.

Read more and get free download!

“You’ve Got a Friend” featured on SoulTracks.com!

09.01.11 by Jesse

“You’ve Got a Friend” was selected as Choice Track of the month over at SoulTracks.com!

Soul Cycle has made a name as a band to watch. Their soulful jazz has won fans on the East Coast of the US and beyond, and each of their releases has been something special.

Read more and get free download!

New review of “You’ve Got a Friend” from SoulCuts!

08.14.11 by Jesse

New review from Paul over at UK’s SoulCuts blog:

a minute or so into the track, all my doubts and concerns were erased as I wallowed in the rich yet delicate treatment provided by Soul Cycle. Accomplished jazz singer Gretchen Parlato delivers a beguiling vocal that is beautifully complimented by Jesse’s sweet arrangement that, as per usual, features some enrapturing keyboard work.

Read the full review here!

New review of “You’ve Got a Friend” on SoulBounce!

07.29.11 by Jesse

Great writeup from Kim Hines a/k/a Butta from SoulBounce!

I’ve been hearing the name Gretchen Parlato a lot lately — and I’ve admittedly been sleeping on her — but thanks to Jesse Fischer of the group Soul Cycle I’m awake and officially taking notice. Parlato joins Soul Cycle on a charming remake of Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend,” the first single from the group’s upcoming third album, Homebrew, scheduled to be released in September. Their cover is jazzy and soulful, with Parlato delivering a mesmerizing vocal performance.

Read the full review here.

New review of “You’ve Got a Friend” on This Is Book’s Music

07.13.11 by Jesse

Great review from John Book of This Is Book’s Music!

‘You’ve Got A Friend’ is taken through an updated soulful polish with the band Soul Cycle. With help from vocalist Gretchen Parlato, whose performance sounds a lot like Amel Larrieux, ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ is given a new light at a time when perhaps the world should make an effort to acknowledge and strengthen friendships. It’s a great song, and with luck this will gain a lot of attention.

Read the full review here.

New review on ArtisticManifesto.com blog!

12.09.10 by Jesse

New review from the ArtisticManifesto.com blog! Check it out: