The Philadelphia Experiment is a 2001 studio album by the Philadelphia Experiment, a collaborative project including pianist Uri Caine, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. It features guest appearances from guitarist Pat Martino, trumpeter John Swana, and cellist Larry Gold. It peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.

Background

The album is the first entry in a series devoted to musicians from the same cities but different musical genres, the second being The Detroit Experiment (2003) and the third being The Harlem Experiment (2007). The title "The Philadelphia Experiment" describes the bringing together of Philadelphia-based musicians from differing backgrounds (Caine was known for working in classical and jazz; McBride in jazz; and Thompson in rap and R&B). In 2002, King Britt released a remix album, titled The Philadelphia Experiment Remixed.

Critical reception

David R. Adler of AllMusic gave the album 4 stars out of 5, calling it "a textbook example of how jazz, soul, and hip-hop were becoming deeply intertwined at the outset of the new millennium." Todd S. Jenkins of All About Jazz said, "Here, three tight homeboys have distilled the essence of the Philly legacy down into one insanely funky disc that commands repeat listenings."

Track listing

Personnel

Credits adapted from liner notes.

Charts