Smooth Jazz and More's
Top 10 CD’s of 2006.
This year was pretty tough! More and more artists have requested their music be
reviewed and heard on my
radio station.
In addition to my regular schedule of changing play lists, I also had
to write a weekly column, making the task of reviewing CD's even
more of a challenge.
But as you can see, I've finally made my picks. Congratulations to all
who've made the list and to those who didn't make it, I thank you for
providing me the opportunity to review your work.
2007 stands to be another banner year for independent artists!
If you're interested in getting your music reviewed, drop me an email for consideration!
Mike
-
Jamhunters - Jamhunters; This CD
surprised me with it's Acid Jazz & uptempo
beats. It's a huge surprise and my
to pick for best CD of the year!
-
Lynne Fiddmont
- Flow; Fiddmont has a vocal style that's clearly her own.
It was a joy to listen to.
-
Barry Greene
- In the Mean Time; The professor from the University of North
Florida should consider quitting his day job and promote this CD.
He has a future in the music business!
-
Melissa Forbes - No More Mondays; This CD from
the native of Australia almost never was released. It's a good
thing it was! She might not have been on our top-10 list!
-
Darron McKinney - Soft Spoken; "The Sherrif's"
saxophone was smooth and soulful. You'd swear it was some of
the big names in Jazz playing!
-
The Pan Café Quartet
- Jazz @ The Pan Café, Vol. 1; This mix of Caribbean steel drums and
Jazz makes this CD a worthy pick!
-
RC & the Groovediggers - Right Now!; This
long-time musician finally gets well deserved respect!
-
Ty Causey - N-Tysing Rekindled; This re-release
finally finds an audience!
-
Dirk K
- Urban Standards, Vol. II; The mix of traditional pop
standards and unique arrangements makes this a great listen.
-
Lino
- Miami Jam; This CD is a treat for those who enjoy Ottmar
Liebert and Jesse Cook's guitar playing.
Honorable Mentions
Ronald Turner & The Fashion Statement - Love
Prevails
Peter DuVal Lee - It's a New Day
Konstantin Klashtorni - Led by You
Lisa Hilton - Midnight in Manhattan
Chris Greene & New Perspective - Jazz
Philip Wesley - Finding Solace
Jeuwett Bostic - It's So Easy
Smooth Jazz and More's Top 10 CD’s of 2005.
-
Earl Carter – 495
Live365.com highlighted this artist and it’s no wonder! His CD is
our Top recording of the year.
-
Jeanette Harris Band – Down Route 99
Fresno,
California’s outstanding saxophonist, poised for greatness.
-
Audley Reid – A Plays E
After
some fine tuning, this CD’s grade is changed from an A- to an A+.
-
Jay Soto
– Long Time Coming
One of
the most talented Guitarists I’ve heard on the Jazz scene in 2005.
He’s a future star on the horizon!
-
Noel
Lorica – First Dance
Classically trained Guitarist mixes Jazz, Asian and Flamenco on his
successful debut release.
-
Alexandre Cunha – Batepapo
Shades
of Jobim and Azymuth are found in this outstanding import recording.
-
Peter
DuVal Lee – Contemplation
Third
time’s the charm for this hidden musical talent from Rhode Island.
-
Perry Joslin Project – Perry Joslin Project
Professionally recorded and mastered concept album.
-
Paula Lammers – Blanket of Blue
Her
beautiful voice surrounds every listener who hears this CD.
-
Kenny Brooks – Jetstream
A short,
but refreshing CD out of the Smooth Jazz mold.
Honorable Mentions
Amy Banks – When the Sun Comes Out
Ryan Farish – From the Sky
Anthony Pope - With All My Love
Michael Ross – Brightest Moments Ahead
Grady Nichols – Sophistication
Smooth's Top 5 CD’s of 2004
1.
Ryan Farish – Beautiful
One of the finest CD’s by an artist who has worked hard to get where
he is today. Once you listen, you’re hooked!
2.
Konstantin Klashtorni – Downtown
Listening to this CD still gives me goose bumps. I get such an awesome
feeling listening to all the tracks. He’s bound for greatness on this
side of the Atlantic.
3.
Lisa Hilton – Jazz After Hours
Her first CD, “In the Mood for Jazz” really impressed me. I said,
“What could be better?” Her next release would be even better!
4.
Michael Dulin – Atmospheres
He released three outstanding CD’s within a 3 year period. “Atmospheres” would be his best work.
5.
Ronald Turner & the Fashion Statement – It’s All About Love
I said in my review, “his music style truly “defines Smooth Jazz”.
It’s a great piece of professional work.
Honorable Mentions
David Garfield – Looking Back
Jon Dalton – The Gift
James Hollihan – The Funky Mistfit
Larry White – Unsolicited Material
Bill Cornish – Horizons
