“Stix Hooper drums with his usual brilliance. He’s a percussionist of sensitivity who really listens. He’s inventive and driving in every mood – changing with facility from a four, to a twelve-eight on an intriguing slow blues, “Absolutely Funky,” to a Latin beat on a melodic ballad, to his own always absorbing rock rhythms.”
Daily Variety Magazine
Attention drummers – Listen to some old Jazz Crusaders for a drummer that combined technical expertise and great timing. Stix Hooper, a monster!”
Phil Kelly, Techrepublic.com
“Stix Hooper…(is) the best soul-jazz drummer in the business….The real surprise (as a composer) is “Journey From Within,” an Eastern-tinged modal groove. (It) becomes one of the first ‘out-jazz’ funk tunes!”
Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
Drummer strikes out on own to produce solo LP worthy of his unquestionable ability as a top jazz-funk session man. Musicians polish an already well-cut diamond. A Must.
Sounds ENGLAND, February, 1983
Intelligently put together, with tunes that “sing,” (sic) displays that special kick . . .a natural!
Dider Delaunoy, Record Data, 1983
Jazz aficionados will adore the second solo album by drummer Nesbert “Stix” Hooper . A well –rounded jazz endeavor.
Warren Thompson, Music Review
St Lous American, October 1982
Look for this album to be high on the music charts, because it is beautiful, smooth sailing all the way. This album will keep you happy. It’s Hitsville all the way. Five Stars.
Gene Gillis, Amsterdam News
New York, NY, October, 1982
Displays new facets, to an already unique career.
Florida Star, Jacksonville Florida, October, 1982
“I formed the band in 1953 when my father brought me a full set of drums. At first, my father bought me a big parade drum and before that I used to bang on my mother’s pots and pans, even when they were on the stove at a 90-degree angle.”
On Viewpoint
“This band is eclectic, like my solo albums, but it’s more adventurous.”
“Music is universal. It’s Americana, the melting pot of every technical group in the world. I’ll never lose sight of my Texas rhythm and blues roots, and I’ll always have that inflection. I also heard country. Some call it crossover or fusion, but it’s element assimilated from all the things they (sic-the artists) have been exposed to, “ Stix said.
Suzanne McElfresh, Leisure & Arts
The Arizona Republic, July, 1984
May the joy and the sound of music, again, bring peace and harmony to the world. And, may friendship and good relations always be, in particular, to Japan and China.
A reflection from Stix at the 1997
Nagasaki Ring-A-Bell Concert
Stix Hooper has contributed much to the world of music and to the Jazz Community through his work with the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, where he has served as the National Vice Chairman (the first African American to do so), having previously served three terms as President of the Los Angeles Chapter of NARAS (the first ever three term President, and only the second African American President). Among the many awards he has garnered are 9 Grammy nominations, numerous #1 awards from Billboard, Cashbox and Record World magazines, as well as Top Drummer award by Billboard magazine.
It all culminates with this. Stix has been named, ten times, one of Playboy and Downbeat magazines’ top three drummers. As a composer, producer, actor, vocalist, songwriter, and recording company executive, Stix Hooper has at least as much, and quite possibly more knowledge about virtually all aspects of music than anybody in the business.
Among his many accomplishments, Stix is a ten time Grammy nominee and relentlessly tireless worker. As the first African-American National Vice Chairman of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the organization behind the Grammy Awards (NARAS) and three term President of the LA Chapter — the largest of all the Chapters — his work with NARAS and the Grammy Awards has been extensive and important to kids and adults all around the world (All About Jazz 2004)
“I definitely think music has suffered because people aren’t taking the time to learn their instruments,” Hooper said.
Playboy Offers Its Best Music in Many Years. “Note for note, Playboy Jazz Festival 2005 was the best it has been for years.”