December 2nd, 2005
Marilyn Scott – Handpicked
4 Stars out of 4

Marilyn Scott has to be one of the most underrated jazz singers of the last  record label, sailing under the radar of commercial success. Her high point was a 1997 Grammy nomination for Best Arrangements with Vocals along with pianist/producer George Duke for her album “Avenues of Love” on the track “The Look of Love”. Her musical career is highlighted with her latest release, a “best of” CD called “Handpicked”. These are 16 of she considers her finest works. Many of the tracks heard on our internet radio station are on this compilation CD. From “Starting to fall” to “The Last Day” to I’m calling you”, her unique vocal style is down to earth. She’s not over powering in her delivery. Her sound is very rich and full of style. Your jazz music collection will be complemented by purchasing this great best of collection.

December 2nd, 2005
Café Soul All-Stars – Love Pages
3½ Stars out of 4

The mastermind of this incredible compilation is Essence Magazine founder Clarence O. Smith. On his website, Smith says, "The goal is to bring back music that engages people emotionally, intellectually and spiritually." With the help of Executive producer, Duke Jones, they provide one of the most energizing recordings of the year. This CD reads like a who’s who in the music entertainment world. Contributing their talents to this ambitious project included Peabo Bryson, Maysa of Incognito, Roy Ayres, Boney James, Norman Connors, Bobby Lyle & George Benson. There are just too many names on this recording to mention. Highlights on this CD include the tracks, “What you gonna do” with soulful vocals by Glenn Jones and “Don’t Make me Cry”, a slo-jam with vintage vocals by Bryson. But my personal favorite track was “Pages”, sung by Benson. For those who long for the days of traditional R&B, this CD will satisfy all fans. This is a high quality recording that will be highly touted come Grammy time.

 

December 2nd, 2005
Michael Dulin – Christmas at Our House
4 stars out of 4

Of all the CD’s I’ve reviewed for the last 3 years, Michael Dulin continues to have staying power. He’s a true professional, with the smallest attention to detail followed in all of his recordings. His latest CD comes just in time for the holiday season. “Christmas at our House” brings the tradition of season to his long time listeners. Many of the all time holiday classics are covered here. He brings his own flavor to standards such as “Silent Night”, “Joy to the World”, “Away in a Manger” and more. There are 12 tracks in all. My personal favorite was “We Three Kings”, with its blend of Caribbean style. If you’re not familiar with Michael Dulin, this is a great way to become acquainted with his music. This is one of the best Christmas Instrumental CD in years. A great recording to end the year from our Top 5 Smooth Jazz and More artist of 2005!

December 2nd, 2005
Wavelength – Masaraop (Delicious)
3 Stars out of 4

Wavelength had much success with their previous release, “Cruzin’ Down the Music Highway”. Their sophomore release, “Masarop” continues the same qualities the band recorded previously with lively Latin jazz instrumentals and vocal tracks. My personal favorite track, “Bailar Finale” has a great bossa nova beat that will keep you in step. There are a few misses on the CD. There were the track, “Bliss” sounded as if it needed some fine tuning in the studio. It doesn’t quite reach the same heights as their previous release. But, it’s still a refreshing and original recording. Overall, it’s a step up in the right direction. If you enjoy music from artists such as Spyro Gyra, this CD is for you!

 

November 1st, 2005
Audley Reid – A Plays E
4 Stars out of 4

(Updated Review)

In my March review of Reid’s sampler CD, I was impressed by his high quality recording, but it left me wanting more as the CD he provided only had 5 tracks. This month, I received Reid’s finished work complete with the 5 original recordings along with 5 new songs to complement his sampler. The result, an outstanding piece of recording that I feel will give fans of smooth jazz music something to talk about. His latest CD contains songs written by fellow Chicagoan, Eric Montgomery, thus the title of his CD makes sense. I was very impressed with Reid’s sax playing. His sound is much like Kirk Whalum. Reid has a very nice sound on the sax. The tracks, “Chill Session” & “On the Upside” will leave you impressed.

To purchase his CD, check his website at audleyreid.com.

November 1st, 2005
Ryan Farish – From the Sky
4 Stars out of 4

Since his last release, Farish changed residences from the East to the West. The Norfolk, Virginia native moved to Los Angeles late last year, a big change of scenery him and his wife. Farish explained to his fans that he wanted to be on the west coast to pursue a career as a successful music composer and become involved in movie projects. Farish’s use of vocal arrangements on the various tracks such as “The Promise” is a refreshing chance of pace from his previous releases. It shows his diverse musical talents. He also uses South African vocal arrangements in the track, “Rejoice!” Listening to this CD gives me extreme pride and joy. Its soothing melodies are uplifting and inspirational. Much like last year's Top 5 Smooth Jazz and More selection "Beautiful", "From the Sky" will be a CD at the top of this year's "best of" list as well. Farish is a talented musician and a future star in the music world.

 

November 1st, 2005
Jay Soto – Long Time Coming
4 stars out of 4

Jay Soto started playing music at a very young age. He started playing the drums at the age of 5, started played classical piano at age 7 and took on his current instrument, the guitar when he was 12. With such a diverse music background, Soto started getting noticed quickly. Thus, his debut CD, "Long Time Coming", gives listeners the chance to show what years of preparation has created. Soto has an incredible flair to his guitar playing, very smooth and on target with all his music notes. His style of playing will remind you of guitarists Al DiMeola, Norman Brown and George Benson. On this CD release, he gets help from the right places CD. Saxophonist Michael Lington gives his expertise on the tracks, “Live it up” and “Remember the Night”. They're both lively and have a high quality sound. The CD as a whole sounds like an established artist. It's a great recording that will give listeners a real treat for the ears. Great debut!
 

November 1st, 2005
J. J. Sansaverino – Sunshine After Midnight
3 Stars out of 4

Joe "J.J." Sansaverino has been playing guitar since he was 13. He originally started playing violin and trumpet at the age of 11. A Berklee College of Music graduate, he's worked with some of the greats in popular music. For his debut CD, he takes a turn at smooth jazz and hip R&B. J.J.’s guitar playing style will remind you of Lee Ritenour. His selection of tracks is smooth, easy and mellow, all original compositions. The highlight is the track "Sunshine" as I enjoyed the mix of vocals and his great guitar playing. Though his production is top notch, I can’t help but thinking that he didn’t give it his all in a few of the tracks. Half way through the recording, the CD loses a bit of punch in it step. The track, "My Lover" seems bland and out of place to go along with the rest of the recording. Despite the shortcomings, the CD is still a good listen. He's a future star in the world of smooth jazz music.

 

October 3rd, 2005
Noel Lorica – First Dance
4 stars out of 4

Lorica is a native of Manila, The Philippines and currently resides in South Florida. He’s a Classical trained guitarist whose style resembles well established guitarists such as Peter White, Marc Antoine and Earl Klugh. His debut album has much promise. The recording has a variety of jazz rhythms which ventures from Asian to Flamenco to Brazil. His production is high quality and his original compositions are lovely. I personally enjoyed “Samba in 5” as well as “Midnight Dreams”. He also holds his own on American standards such as Rogers & Hammerstein’s “My Favorite Things”. I see very good things for Lorica happening with this CD release. This is a hidden gem. It’s a musical journey you’ll enjoy.

 

October 3rd, 2005
Amy Banks – When the Sun Comes Out
4 stars out of 4

Minnesota native Amy Banks is a songstress in the mold of Nancy Wilson. When she's not singing, she's a home design consultant for a furnishing company as well as a co-host of the syndicated television show, "Design Invasion". The first thing I'd like to point out is about her voice. Her vocal variety is smooth and vibrant. She's not overpowering, but she can be very easy to listen to. Her third CD release is a throwback to the days of the early 60’s jazz clubs, mixing American standards and 70’s pop tunes. Along with her backup band, they bring together the right formula for a successful recording. I especially enjoyed her rendition of the Doobie Brothers hit, “I Keeps You Runnin’” with a sound right out of Miles Davis’ classic “All Blues”. I love this CD. Now I'm curious to see her on TV. She's a diamond in the rough!

October 3rd, 2005
Paula Lammers – Blanket of Blue
4 stars out of 4

Paula Lammers started singing at a very young age by imitating songs on the radio. She studied music in college in Minnesota and also taught vocals in high school. After getting the performance bug, she decided to pursue her passion full-time. Her first CD is a mix of American Standards and Jazz Ballads that will satisfy the music lover. I enjoyed the tracks, "I Thought About You" and "Gentle Rain". She has a voice that I can describe as a cross between pop greats Karen Carpenter and Anita O'Day. Her sound is very light and lovely to listen to. If you're looking for a singer that won't overwhelm your senses, consider listening to this up and coming songstress. Highly recommended!

 

October 3rd, 2005
Gene Ess – Sandbox and Sanctum
3 Stars out of 4

Gene Ess is an award winning guitarist from Japan. After discovering Jazz music in clubs around Okinawa, he moved to the states and studied the craft intently. His music style can be described as Avant Garde with influences from the likes of John Coltrane. It’s a challenging style of Jazz that will satisfy purists and interest wannabes. “Sandbox and Sanctum” is his fourth release. I found his original compositions pretty good. The supporting quartet is outstanding. If you love music in the tradition of John Abercrombie or Pat Metheny’s work with Charlie Haden and Jim Hall, this is for you! Good effort!

 

September 1st, 2005
Lisa Hilton – My Favorite Things
3½ Stars out of 4

Lisa Hilton is Jazz music’s hidden gem. The Malibu, California resident has worked with many of genre’s greatest professionals. Her previous CD’s I reviewed were highly recommended with Hilton receiving plenty of airplay. Her latest CD, “My Favorite Things” continues the formula she develops, mixing American standards to her original compositions and having musician extraordinaires such as Saxophonist, Eric Marienthal. Hilton does wonders on classics such as Jobim’s, “Desafinado” The Gershwin brothers', “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” and Paul Desmond’s, “Take Five”. Her latest original compositions are very good. “Seduction/remix” is clearly the best track on this CD with its soulful beats and nice sax playing. It’s hard for me so say it, but there were a few misses on this CD. I wasn’t sure about the track, “Midnight Sky”. It seemed to out of place in the track selection. Despite the slight flaw, this CD is still a wonderful listen. Recommended.

September 1st, 2005
Alexandre Cunha – Batepapo
4 Stars out of 4

Alexandre Cunha is a professional drummer who hails from Brazil. He was very persistent to have me evaluate his stuff. It’s a good thing he did because he’s got something special. His latest CD, "Batepapo" is an extremely well produced recording with rhythms in the tradition of Brazilian fusion legends, Azymuth and American Jazz greats, The Yellowjackets. All of the tracks are original, no rehashes, and that makes the CD stand out in my book. There are many tracks I enjoyed on this CD and its hard to choose what's best. But my personal favorite was, “Estilo Consagrado” with its Toots Thelemmans inspired harmonica. Cunha’s backup musicians are top notch. Cunha’s drum playing reminds me of jazz great, Dave Weckl. His influence is clear on the final track, “Tambores”. He’s very talented. I can’t read the Portuguese liner notes, but I can tell great music when I hear it. This is one great CD!

 

September 1st, 2005
Smidi Beats – Jazz Foundation
3 Stars out of 4

“Smidi” is an extremely talented musician; Composing, Arranging and Producing his first CD as well as playing all the musical instruments. In fact, being that he learned to play musical instruments all by himself makes this recording extra special. CD has a mix of R&B, Acid Jazz & Hip Hop sounds. The music is strong in composition and will satisfy those interested in new discoveries. The title track is currently in rotation on our play list and it’s a real gem. My personal favorite was the track, “Never Say Goodbye”. It’s a slow but moving piece that reminds me of R.K.’s Soul Ballet. Despite the lack of a jewel casing and a professional package, the recording is still strong enough to enjoy listening to. Recommended!

 

September 1st, 2005
Johnny & Sammy Johnson – Off My Rocker
3½ Stars out of 4

The father and son duo hail from Toledo, Ohio and this is their first CD release. They asked me to listen to their samples off the CD Baby website. Immediately, their music reminded me of the songbook of Bob James. The comparisons are clear on the track, “Jazmine” as it sounds much like his "Touchdown" CD. There are also fusion jazz inspirations from Herbie Hancock on the track titled appropriately, “Mr. Herbie”. The production value is smooth and the arrangements are solid. All tracks are under 5 minutes, which gives the listeners enough great music to enjoy. I really enjoyed the CD as this is a hidden gem.

 

August 1st, 2005
City Rhythm Orchestra with Joey DeFrancesco – Vibrant Tones
4 Stars out of 4

Mix a swing jazz orchestra with a hip organ and you have one exciting album! Listening to this CD reminds me of a time long gone. This was the standard music for jazz lovers in San Francisco back in the early 60’s. Joey DeFrancesco has a style right out of the Jimmy Smith playbook! Maybe because he's played with him in the past. He's obviously picked him as an influence. For instance, the track “The Cat” is a marvelous display of DeFrancesco’s high powered organ playing. The classic blues track, “Blues in Hoss’ Flat” is done with perfection, blending the solid playing of the 18 piece orchestra and the Hammond B3 Organ playing of DeFrancesco. The CD package includes a DVD of the orchestra playing in concert at Wiggins Park in Camden, NJ. Vibrant Tones will make you jump, jive and wale. It’s an excellent piece of work.

 

August 1st, 2005
Matt Criscuolo – Lotus Blossom
3½ Stars out of 4

Criscuolo is a native of The Bronx. He's played with the late Baritone Sax player, Gerry Mulligan and singer, the late Etta Jones. His second CD gives jazz purists something to talk about. Criscuolo has a sax style much like the late great John Coltrane, smooth and tight. Hardly misses a beat. The same can be said for his supporting band. The track, “Spirit Waltz” starts out with a great drum solo by Eric McPherson. Trombonist Steve Davis has a great solo on the track, “Parakeet Lovesong”. I really enjoy a nice traditional Jazz CD once in a while and this is one CD I can recommend to anyone who enjoys Jazz.

 

August 1st, 2005
Kenny Carr – Friday at Five
3½ Stars out of 4

Carr was the lead guitarist for the late, great musical genius, Ray Charles and went on tour with his orchestra during the last 10 years of his life. He also worked with another great Jazz Guitarist, the late Ray Brown. It’s easy to see why Charles selected Carr. He has an exciting guitar style that’s similar to another great guitarist, Larry Carlton. There's allot of energy in his playing. It seems like he's having fun and he wants us to enjoy his playing as well. The tracks New York Shuffle and Gramercy Groove are evident of his years of experience. My personal favorite track on the CD is “Coast to Coast”. His debut, CD is a collection of blues and jazz tracks that will satisfy the lively listener as well as the relaxed.

 

August 1st, 2005
Tony Carlucci & Lou Bartolomucci – Amarosa
3 Stars out of 4

This CD was issued to me by a couple of established musicians in Canada looking for inroads into the U.S. Jazz scene. Lou Bartolomucci and Tony Carlucci's debut CD is a lively mix of Samba and Bossa Nova rhythms reminiscent of the Antonio Carlos Jobim songbook. A few tracks are suspect but still plausible. I wasn’t too impressed with the track, "Encatata" as it seemed a bit dull and boring. However the rest of the CD is nice to listen to. I enjoyed the track, "Early Mornin'" with it's light Trumpet and latin rhythms. Overall, the CD is great for dinner and parties as well as laying around on a rainy afternoon or driving on a wine tour, a la Sideways. Good work!

July 1st, 2005
Peter DuVal Lee – Contemplation
4 stars out of 4

Peter DuVal Lee’s last two CD releases were evaluated with high marks on this web site. So it would be interesting to see if his next release would be just as good. He send me a copy of his next release. He's still working on the cover as of this review. One of the differences I noticed is that it has vocals. This is evident in the tracks, “Soul Rock” & “Understanding”. His singing is not overpowering, yet not too subtle. It’s a welcome addition to his musical repertoire. The rest of his CD is flawless, continuing with the formula his uses from his previous releases. The track, "One World" is the best track for it's vibe. “Contemplation” gives full satisfaction the listener. It's his best work!

Also, we're very delighted that Peter has mentioned thanks to our internet radio station, "Smooth Jazz and More" in his new CD's liner notes. It's a first for us and we thank Peter for mentioning us.

 

July 1st, 2005
Mike Di Lorenzo – Urbanized
3½ Stars out of 4

Mike Di Lorenzo has had his work showcased on the radio program, "Chill with Chris Botti". His style is a mix between Herbie Hancock, Alex Bugnon and David Benoit. The CD is very much “Chill”, Downtempo, Latin and the Rick Braun inspired trumpet on some his tracks makes it a very good listen. The comparison is clear on the tracks “Loosey Goose” & “Severance”, which displays his diverse keyboard talents. My personal favorite tracks were the title track and “West 47th”. Di Lorenzo's CD is very smooth and hip. It's a hidden gem that listeners will not be disappointed with.

 

July 1st, 2005
Kim Monroe – Kim Monroe
3 stars out of 4

A couple of good friends of mine watched Kim Monroe at this year’s “Taste of Syracuse/Sammy Awards” in Downtown Syracuse. They told me her singing performance was a knockout and recommended her for review. Her style of music is pop based with R&B, hip-hop & dance influences. Kim has a “breath of fresh air” quality with her singing. She has a very good resonance and a much better vocal range than Brittney, Jessica or Ashlee. The recording is high quality and the songs are well written. I enjoyed her rendition of the Gladys Knight classic, “Neither One of Us” and her original song, “No Concern”. I currently have the track, "Sorry" in our play list. A native of Cazenovia (which is 20 miles east of Syracuse), the 18 year old student who attends Niagara University has a bright future as a singer. All she needs now is exposure. Hopefully, she’ll continue the track she’s on and gets discovered soon.

 

July 1st, 2005
2 Good to Go – Early Morning
3 stars out of 4

Chester Thomas delivered his 6th release to me entitled, “Early Morning”. Unlike his previous releases, this recording has 17 tracks, the most songs he’s ever released on a CD. That amount might seem intimidating to the listener. Most CD’s that are released with that many tunes generally loses interest very fast with the listener. However, with the songs at less than 4 minutes long, I can honestly say that the CD is rather entertaining. Among the tracks I found to be his best were “Misty Morning” and “Overdrive”, which are full of energy. My only problem with the CD is the packaging. The CD was in a general jewel casing and not in the usual professional jewel case that is used by most of the established record labels. I can only assume that Thomas probably lacks financial backing for his recordings. This is one of those times when self production leads to a less than quality product. With a more professional CD package, this release can only get better promotions. Even though I’m giving this recording a half star less than what its worth, this CD is without question his best work to date.

 

June 1st, 2005
Kenny Brooks – Jetstream
4 stars out of 4

After spending time performing in Pop and Rock bands, Louisiana native Kenny Brooks started concentrating on traditional jazz. His latest CD, “Jetstream” gives his listeners some really great jazz music with different guitar flavors. He caters to both acoustic & electric "Gibson" styles. “On Shore Flow” has a sound similar to Peter White & Torcuato Mariano, very lively and cool. The title track has a sound much like Brian Hughes, very soothing. Overall, I really enjoyed his style of guitar playing and I feel is one of my favorite CD's this year. The production value is high quality. This is a hidden gem that should be getting better exposure. It’s outstanding work.

 

June 1st, 2005
Grady Nichols – Sophistication
4 Stars out of 4

The publicist of Grady Nichols sent me a copy of his new CD. The Oklahoma native is a rising star in the jazz world. He was discovered by legendary jazz artist Jeff Lorber and he has produced his third release, "Sophistication". Lorber takes his style of smooth jazz and brings Nichols to the level of respect. His CD has a bunch of well known artists to help him out in addition to Lorber such as Chris Botti & Bill Gable. As for Nichols, his sound is crisp, clear and bright. I especially enjoyed the tracks, “Tuesday Morning”, “Speak” and “Quiet Times”. This is one CD that will get lots of playing time on well established Smooth Jazz radio. It’s a great CD that will get second looks and listens!

June 1st, 2005
Walter Duda – Sole Intention
3½ stars out of 4

Walter Duda is a self-taught musician. The native of Bridgeport, Connecticut worked in other careers before hearing the call of a music artist. I’m delighted he chose music because this new release is very fulfilling. There are different music styles that will satisfy the listener. The title track sounds like music from the Yellowjackets, very much cutting edge and lively. The track, “Personal Guarantee” is much like a song by Michael Franks, hip and funny as well. His vocals are along the line of Michael Sembello (Maniac) & Boz Skaggs. The track “Gracious” is smooth with its Latin rhythms. Overall, this CD is very good to listen to, a good experience that I welcome anyone to listen.

 

June 1st, 2005
Gary Farr – Fresh Brew
3 stars out of 4

Gary Farr has been producing this recording for 6 years. In between recordings, he’s made his work available to the folks at The Weather Channel for their “Weather on the 8’s” segments. He’s finally managed to get the finished project to be published. The result is an esoteric mix of original tunes. Like a pot of freshly brewed coffee, Farr delivers his listeners something to give them a pick me up for the day. My personal favorite track was “You Love Me” with its moody and easy sound. Overall, the CD is a nice dose of lively tunes that will keep you going all day. Good CD!!

 

June 1st, 2005
Paul Thomas Yoder – Dreamin’
3 stars out of 4

His CD is can be described as shades of Santana with a touch of Maynard Ferguson blended in. There are some good tracks on this CD. “Black Cat, Black Hat” is a smooth blend of jazz and adult contemporary genres. The track, “Crusin’ 4-A Fusion” is clearly the best recording on the CD. Being that it’s the only original track, it showcases Yoder’s writing and arranging ability. My only shortcoming with the CD is his singing. It isn’t on par with other established music artists I've heard. However, the CD is still great to listen if you love jazz trumpet. I enjoyed his playing. Consider purchasing this album.

 

June 1st, 2005
Perry Joslin Project – Perry Joslin Project
4 stars out of 4

Perry Joslin is a world renowned pianist who will be touring with Jon Secada this year. And it’s a good pick. His new has a lot to offer. The CD will remind you of work David Benoit-Russ Freeman Project & Tom Grant. The track, “Here We Go” gets the CD started on a high note. The recording continues its journey with great tracks such as “Thoughts of Miles” and “Over Dublin”. What I enjoyed the most is the energy driven by the recordings of this CD. Allot of time and work was put into this release. This is a world class recording that I feel will make Joslin a star. Highly recommended!

 

June 1st, 2005
Ron Fattorusso – Up All Night
3½ Stars out of 4

Ron Fattorusso has been working in the music business for over 20 years. Why it has taken him so long to make a CD, I’m not sure. It’s probably because he’s been in so much demand during that span of time. With the help of fellow musician, Gary Farr, “Up All Night” is a testament of his years of service. His CD features a mix of different genres such as Latin, R&B, Reggae & Calypso. His style will remind you of Jay Beckenstein of the group Spyro Gyra. His sax playing is crisp and clean. I enjoyed the track, “Thanks, Grover”, which was named after the late great sax player Grover Washington, Jr. This is a wonderful recording that was better late than never!

 

May 1st, 2005
Richard James – As in a Dream
3 stars out of 4

Richard James is a talented pianist from Southern California who specializes in New Age and Classical music. His latest CD is all piano, no other instruments. The recording value is of high quality. I thought the tracks on the recording were a bit long, but I still found them to be soothing and relaxing. Though not in the hierarchy of established new age pianists George Winston or Danny Wright, James is still accomplished enough on his own to give listeners satisfaction. This CD will be great for lovers of New Age and piano.
 

May 1st, 2005
Jeanette Harris Band – Down Route 99
4 stars out of 4

The one commodity over the last 30 years I found hard to find in the jazz business is good, quality, female jazz saxophone players. Just recently over the last couple of years, a number of female saxophone players have broken through the ranks such as Mindi Abair, Pamela Williams, Australia’s Rachel Stewart and of course Holland’s Candy Dulfer. This new sax player will take the jazz world by storm with her new CD, “Down Route 99”. With the help of Percussionist Michael Harris and Bassist Patrick Olivera, the trio gives the CD a wonderful complement. . I personally enjoyed the tracks, “Gotta Go” and “On Top”. Really, it’s hard to choose what my favorite track is. This CD is brilliantly produced and recorded. Every song is worthy of airplay on any smooth jazz radio station. If you want to hear a future star in the making, pick up this great CD. Highly Recommended!

 

May 1st, 2005
Earl Carter – 495
4 Stars out of 4

This CD was brought to my attention in two ways. First, Live365 had a number of tracks listed on its Music Library. Second, a number of people emailed me and asked if I had heard about the artist. With that in mind, I decided request a copy and give the CD a review. Earl Carter is a jazz guitarist that's molded out of established artists such as Norman Brown, Paul Jackson, Jr and Paul Brown. His music is hip and smooth, not too abstract like many artists I’ve encountered. It’s also has great production value. Every track is great on this recording. It’s hard to pick what’s my favorite. I’m currently playing the title track, “Cocktail Showers”, “The Dream” and “Out on a Limb” in my rotation as provided by Live365.com. This is an outstanding CD that should be in your collection. I think we’ll be hearing more great recordings from this up and coming artist in the future.

 

May 1st, 2005
Anthony Pope - With All My Love
4 stars out of 4

MusicSUBMIT.com sent us another artist for review. Pianist Anthony Pope is a native of and now resides in San Antonio, Texas. His latest CD is called, “With all my Love”. Upon listening, I was thoroughly impressed by the high production value. He certainly named the CD well as he put his heart and soul into it. Saxophonist Richard Potter sounds more like Richard Elliot with his soulful renditions of tracks “Only You” & “Straight Up”. Guitarist Robert Marquez gives a solid performance on the tracks “Just Let Me Be”. Overall, this is probably one of the best CD’s I’ve heard this year and it’s certainly going to be a contender for our end of the year top 10 recognition.

 

May 1st, 2005
DC Project – The World Beat Jazz Group
3 stars out of 4

This project was developed by guitarist Dave Cosby, a graduate of Rutgers University. His musical background includes work with various genres such as hip-hop, folk as well as teaching music to prospective students and performing in many prestigious ventures such as the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This CD is eclectic in its form and styles of music. Latin, Brazilian, African and Funk are the many styles you’ll be exposed to. The tracks, “Patricia” and “Snowflake” were my favorites as they were smooth and lively. A few tracks were somewhat bland, such as the track, “Melipila”, which I found it to be off key, thus somewhat annoying. But overall, the CD’s good musical effort.

 

May 1st, 2005
Kush – Streams of Consciousness, Volume One
2½ Stars out of 4

A new format in the radio business is called, “Chill”. It’s a mix between Smooth Jazz and Dance. Acid Jazz or NuJazz is another name for it. I was initially impressed by the music samples of the Toronto based “Kush” on its website sent to me via email and I asked for a CD for review. Their sound is very much along the line of jazz trumpeter Chris Botti. However, upon further listening, I found myself waiting and waiting for the one breakout track to showcase the CD. Though the tracks are good for an after dinner party, they’re not quite radio friendly and to some matters, not listener friendly. The tracks linger on after a while and slowly became rather boring. Overall, if I had it my way, I would have stuck to a more radio friendly formula. This CD had the potential to be a hot sell to me and it was frustrating because I wanted the CD to work. Aside from all the good sounds, it’s a bold recording that I found to be a letdown in the end. Unfortunately for me, this experiment doesn’t quite work.
 

April 1st, 2005
Kimberly “K.C.” Allison – Beyond Blue
3½ stars out of 4

“KC” is a Kansas City, Missouri native, now based in Los Angeles. Her style of music is blues, but don’t let it fool you. Her latest CD, “Beyond Blue” takes on different shades of the blues, from hard rock to traditional jazz to R&B. The title track, "Conversation with Kings", is a tribute to three great blues guitarists, B.B. King, Albert King and Freddie King. It showcases her great range of guitar playing. The title track is smokin’! She has the mark of the late blues guitarist, Stevie Ray Vaughn. The track, “Between the Dots” delves into bebop jazz with a style much like the late great jazz guitarist, Joe Pass. Overall, this album is highly recommended for the blues lovers as well as traditional jazz fans like myself.

 

April 1st, 2005
Maurice Gainen – Jazz World Colors
3 stars out of 4

Los Angeles based musician Maurice Gainen has performed for audiences for about two decades. His latest CD is filled with many tracks that venture into different genres including Latin, Asian, African and Gospel. Some tracks are very intricate and challenging such as the funk based, “Ca Va?” or the Argentine influenced “Mango”. Some are easy to listen to. I personally enjoyed the tracks, “June in May” with its hip and funky style & “In the Air” with smooth sounds from guest vocalist, Tony award nominee, June Angela. (You may remember her from the 1970's PBS childrens show, The Electric Company.) This is a mixed bag of music that will please some listeners.
 

March 1st, 2005
Simon Jensen Band – All You Can Eat
3 Stars out of 4

Swedish record publisher, Fredrik Ek sent me another release. The Simon Jensen Band provides an interesting mix of music that seems to resemble music from 70’s rockers, Jethro Tull & jazz from the late flutist, Herbie Mann. Some tracks are a little too abstract for my taste “Phenomenon” & “Windflower”, but there are some moments on the CD that stand out. Their rendition of Paul Desmond’s “Take Five” provided an interesting version that was hip and cool. The track, “That Blues”, I though was the best selection showcasing their diverse lineup of musicians. This CD will be for everyone taste. But if you love songs that resemble the rock classic “Aqualung”, this will be right up your alley.

 

March 1st, 2005
Lazy Bird – Feelin’ It
2½ Stars our of 4

Lazy Bird is the brainchild of pianist/composer, Jim Lapidus. The New Jersey resident put together a lineup of musicians to record their debut album, “Feelin’ It”. The CD starts off good with the upbeat title track. There were also lively renditions of Miles Davis’ “So What” and Gershwin’s “Summertime”. But the CD loses it punch with some of its latter selections. I found the tracks “Chill Out” “South Side Samba” “Red Tape” & “Boom Boom Bah” lacked a spark. The recording could have used a high profile musician to give it a boost as the recording seemed bland. Despite that, I thought it was a fair debut CD, but I feel it could have been much better.
 

February 1st, 2005
Michael Ross – We Finally Meet
3½ stars out of 4
Michael Ross – Brightest Moments Ahead
4 stars out of 4

Live365.com provided to their respective Jazz radio stations two full CD's from this talented Chicago based guitarist.

“We Finally Meet” was Ross’ debut release. It received allot of airplay on Smooth Jazz radio stations. His style will remind you of Norman Brown. It’s a refreshing sound that I really enjoyed listening to. Its production value is flawless. My personal favorite tracks were his rendition of the Brenda Russell classic, “Get Here” and the jazz classic “Skylark”. I really thought this was a winner! A real gem!

“Brightest Moments Ahead” is his current release and the better of his two releases. This CD really takes off! His guitar playing is really smooth! His technique continues to shine brightly! I enjoyed the tracks, “That Summer Night” and the title track. With additional airplay on nationally recognized radio station, Ross should have greater success. This is an outstanding CD and the best release he's made so far in his career .

 

February 1st 2005
2 Good to Go – Jazz It Up
3 stars out of 4

Chester Thomas sent me his 5th and most recent release, “Jazz It Up”. Basically, the CD is another rehash of the same Rhythmic Soul and Dance tunes done in his previous releases. However, Thomas’ music is still vibrant and alive. The lengths of his songs are no more that 4 minutes long, which may give the listener an itch for more. The songs of note that listeners will be interested in are “Xplosive” and “Jasmine” It’s still a good effort and a nice listen! Acid Jazz listeners will be pleased.
 

January 1st, 2005
Jon Dalton – The Gift
4 Stars out of 4

This is another artist that was from musicSUBMIT.com and probably the best one provided. I really enjoyed the music sample provided (The title track, The Gift”) and requested his music for evaluation. His guitar style will remind you of smooth jazz guitarists, Brian Hughes & Joyce Cooling. It’s very smooth and easy to listen to. The tracks are very professionally made and are of high quality. Some other highlights are the tracks, “You Can’t Do That” & “Westory”. This is an outstanding CD.

 

January 1st, 2005
2 Good to Go – Foot Steps
3 Stars out of 4

Chester Thomas is a former Wichita, Kansas Firefighter. He was forced into retirement due to a career ending injury. However, he’s made a second career out of composing music. He’s been reviewed many times in the website and he’s sent me his 4th release, “Foot Steps” for review. Thomas uses the same formula as he did in his 3 previous releases, heavy rhythmic R&B instrumentals with a touch of Acid Jazz. The best track on this CD is “Destiny” as it is pleasant to listen to. The CD production is good and for those who’ve listened to him previously will be enthused.

 

January 1st, 2005
Brad Ard – Diver Dance
3 Stars out of 4

MusicSUBMIT.com alerted me to another musician, a guitarist from the Chicago area named Brad Ard. The track “Diver Dance” furthered my interest and I requested a CD for a review. Ard’s guitar playing is bold and full of flavor, a mix of Jazz fusion, Rock and Funk. His sound quality is evident on tracks, “Gas Bag”, and “Goin’ it”. My personal favorite was the track, “Flight of the Hormone”. The CD reminds me of early Pat Metheny & Dan Gottlieb work, although the guitar work sounds more like Jeff Beck. This is a good listening CD for the jazz fusion fan.

 

December 1st, 2004
Peter DuVal Lee – Reflections
3½ Stars out of 4
Peter DuVal Lee – Closer
3½ Stars out of 4

The website, MusicSUBMIT.com, sends me PR releases of independent artists looking for a musical outlet for their songs. One such musician caught my eye, Peter DuVal Lee. The Long Island native and current resident of Rhode Island provided me with 2 CD’s for review.

“Reflections” was his 2002 debut CD. According to his website, this recording was, "...layered with driving bass and guitar-filled grooves that are jazzy cool." It does deliver the goods. It’s a marvelous recording with a music style similar to jazz guitarists, Lloyd Gregory and Norman Brown. The CD is well crafted with its arrangements and compositions. The best tracks were “Thinking of You”, with it very radio friendly tone. It's a flavored with R&B and Reggae, making it a nice listen. “Love101” is also a high point as it gives the listener an idea of what Smooth Jazz is. Overall, this is a great debut by a jazz guitarist that should get more airplay.

“Closer” is his latest release. It avoids the sophomore jinx by providing equal, if not, better tracks than his debut CD. One track that sets the tone for the CD is “Rush Hour”. It provides the listener with vibes reminiscent of the late Zachary Breaux, very solid arrangements. Another track I enjoyed was “So Close, Not Quite”, with its production value much like guitarist Ronny Jordan work, hip and smooth. If you’re looking for good Smooth Jazz, consider this hidden gem!
 

December 1st, 2004
Mark Bunney – Coming Soon
3½ Stars out of 4

This CD was sent to me by representative of EnSound Entertainment. Mark Bunney is a native of Great Britain. He was skilled in the music arts since he was 3 years old. He currently attends the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston and works under the guidance of fellow Saxophonist, Walter Beasley. His new CD, “Coming Home” gives his listener a mix of Jazz, Gospel and R&B flavors. I especially enjoyed the tracks, “Morning Devotion” and “Heavenbound”. There are many words I can say about this CD, Soulful! Enlightening! Uplifting! Mark is a Christian and lives by the biblical scripture that happens to by my favorite and what I live by as well, Philippians 4-13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Mark has a brilliant future ahead of him as a musician and I look forward to many more releases from him.

 

December 1st, 2004
James Luecke – Kool Waters
2½ Stars out of 4

Milwaukee saxophone player James Luecke sent me a CD single about a year ago called, “Quiet River”. I added it to my play list for a few months and though I liked the mix of New Age and Smooth Jazz on the track. I found it unusual that Luecke would not put previously released track on his new CD. With that said, I found the CD, “Kool Waters” to be more Avant Garde than Smooth Jazz or New Age. Luecke musical playing style is much like Freeform saxophonist, Ornette Coleman. I wasn’t too keen to his off-beat style and didn’t find any tracks to my liking as I expected the same musical flavor that came with his previous release. However, the production value is solid as the recording and CD liner looked very professional. If Avant Garde is to your liking, this might be up your alley. Unfortunately, for me, this was disappointing.
 

December 1st, 2004
Airborne – Heavy Vibes
3 stars out of 4

I wasn’t sure if I would get this CD in the mail in time for review as it’s been a few weeks since the promotion person contacted me. Upon listening, I found that they reminded me of a group in our current rotation, Wavelength, their music styles sound similar in nature. All of the musicians are very talented. On for instance is lead singer, Elizabeth Dellinger, who has a voice like R&B singer, Teena Marie. She’s very soulful, especially on the track, “Trust in Love”. I also enjoyed the track, “I See” where Airborne’s musical style reminded me of Santana & The Rippingtons, very powerful and exhilarating. The CD does lose some of its grip on a few tracks. I wasn’t too impressed with the single, “Nicole” as it sounded awkward in its vocal arraignment. Overall, it’s a refreshing effort for those who like contemporary jazz vocals. Recommended.

 

December 1st, 2004
Liza Lee – Scarlet Mark
3½ Stars out of 4

Liza Lee is a native of Reading, Pennsylvania. She’s been involved in music all her life, singing in church and other functions. “Scarlet Mark”, her debut CD, is a culmination of all of her years in music study. Her music selection ranges from traditional jazz (Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael) to Rock and Pop (Bob Dylan, Ani DiFranco) and she handles the genres like a seasoned pro. I personally enjoyed the captivating covers of The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” (A version I found to be very sensual as well as smooth.), and Tori Amos’ “Cornflake Girl”. Her soothing voice will capture your soul. She’s not overpowering in her delivery, but she not annoying, either. It's a very good debut that I highly recommend. Be on the look out for this up and coming star!

 

December 1st, 2004
Mattias Carlson – Carlson/Presentation 7211
4 stars out of 4

Mattias Carlson’s new CD was recorded live in 2003. There’s not too much information on the label’s website about who he is or where he come from. But one thing's for sure, this guy’s got some chops! He sounds right out of the Charlie Parker School of saxophone playing. He’s original as well! His compositions will be something you’ll be talking about if you enjoy jazz with other fans. I enjoyed the variety of the track selections. “Billy the Kid” and the Thelonious Monk’s cover of “Hornin’ in” showcase his great range in sax playing. The track, “The Most Beautiful Eyes” is haunting as well as it is soothing. His band gives great support on this recording. Krister Jonsson is outstanding on Guitar as are Mattias Hjort on upright Bass and Anton Jarl on Drums. Jazz purists will appreciate the great music on this CD. Check out this outstanding CD.

 

December 1st, 2004
Johanna Jarl – The Drowning Accident
2 stars out of 4

Johanna Karl’s new CD sounds like the work of the experimental music diva, Bjork. I’m not much of a fan of her music so I’m not too keen on this release. Her voice is certainly pleasant, but her compositions are at best, questionable. The only track I liked was the title track. It was a blues based arrangement that I wish could have been more followed throughout the recording. Overall, the CD is not to my liking. It could have been better.
 

December 1st, 2004
Roman Andren – Ambessa’s Dream
3½ Stars out of 4

Roman Andren has worked on his new release for the last two years. I can honestly say that all the hard work has paid off. His new CD, Ambessa’s Dream is really a joy to listen to. It has an African world beat savor to it as well as enough Smooth Jazz to satisfy. The production and arrangements on this CD are much like the work of Quincy Jones and Incognito. The highlights are the tracks, “You Got Me Dreamin’” and “Make it Happen” which are marvelous to listen to. The tracks are soulful and captivating. If if you like the music in the line of Soul II Soul & Incognito, then you're in for a treat. Consider buying this CD.

 

November 10th, 2004
Michael Dulin – Timeless
4 Stars out of 4

Michael Dulin brings New Age genre to its Classical roots with his 2004 release, “Timeless”. Dulin provides us with a wonderful selection of tracks written by some of the greatest composers of all time. Listeners not familiar with the Classical geniuses of the 18th and 19th Century will be surprised with some of the compositions that we hear everyday in use with TV commercials and movies. Composers such as Debussy (Clair de Lune), Beethoven (The Emperor’s Adagio), Bach (Prelude) and many others. My personal favorite is Simply Satie by French composer Erik Satie. (I’ve always wondered who composed this music because I heard the group, Blood, Sweat & Tears and Saxophonist Gato Barbieri perform this same melody on their albums.) Once again, as he did with previous CD reviewed by us, Dulin showcases his great talents as an arranger and pianist. His strong aesthetic attention to detail in the production is a testament to this outstanding recording. I recommend this CD to anyone who would like to rediscover the Classics.

 

October 12th, 2004
Bill McGee – Soul Man
3½ out of 4 Stars

Jazz Trumpeter Bill McGee has been in the business for over 30 years now. The many successful artists he’s played with include D’Angelo, Evelyn “Champagne” King, The Stylistics and The O’Jays. His new CD, Soul Man, which is his third release, highlights his years of talent. Bill fashions his music style much like fellow Jazz Trumpeters, Rick Braun and Chris Botti. It’s smooth as silk. His backup musicians are rock solid, very professional. I especially enjoyed his rendition of the Horace Silver classic, “Song For My Father”. This is one nice musical ride. Check it out!

 

October 12th, 2004
Vernon Neilly & G-Fire – G-Fire II
3 Stars out of 4

Vernon Neilly teams up with fellow guitarists Kevin Chokan, Miguel Mega and high profile player, Mark Whitfield on this ambitious project. G-Fire II is their second release. Each guitarist has a difference in the musical styles and their compositions. Whitfield shows why he’s one of the best guitarists in the genre with his tracks, “LFO” & “Smoov Soul”. Chokan shines with the tracks “Twinkle Toes” & “Unconditional Love”. Neilly & Mega round out the rest of the CD with some pretty good work such as “Por Mi Amour” & “Don’t You Cry”. This CD succeeded in grabbing my attention. It’s a good piece of work that I recommend to all smooth jazz enthusiasts.
 

October 12th, 2004
Rachel Stewart – Believe
3 Stars out of 4

The saxophonist from Australia has had trouble getting her CD, “Believe” released. She first contacted me in May about receiving airplay on the radio station. She’s finally resolved her difficulties and sent me a copy. On the album, she performs compositions from fellow sax players Kenny G, Dave Koz and David Sanborn. Her rendition of contemporary jazz standards is truly remarkable. She has lots of potential for greatness with her sax playing. It reminds me of the contemporary jazz sax of the late George Howard and Art Pepper. Her best tracks were “Maputo” and “I Can’t Help It”. However, the only downside to the CD was originality. I would have liked to hear more original compositions. I’m sure we’ll see that very soon. Overall, it’s a good CD that’s better late than never.

 

September 3rd, 2004
Peter White – Confidential
4 stars out of 4

Smooth Jazz great, Peter White has a new release. As a longtime fan of his music, I decided to give it a review. White has undergone a complete changeover from his first CD release, “Excuze-moi” in 1990. The production value of his music recordings shoot up with each release. It’s noticeable with the support of artists like Paul Brown, Brian Culbertson, Chris Botti, Mindi Abair and special guest vocalist, Christopher Cross. I loved all of the tracks on the CD. I especially enjoyed, “Coast Road Drive”, “How Does It Feel” and “Endless Journey”. White took over a year to complete this new release, and it was a year well spent. This is his best CD release and an instant classic!

 

September 2nd, 2004
Soul Ballet – Dream Beat Dream
3½ stars out of 4

Rick Kelly, or RK as he’s better known in the group, Soul Ballet, has been venturing out of music over the last few years and into acting, garnering some prime roles, including Days of Our Lives and the controversial show, Nip/Tuck (of which, I’m a huge fan). With the new CD release of "Dream Beat Dream", it’s great to see RK back in his element he’s most familiar with. There are some great moments in “Dream Beat Dream”. The first track, “She Rides” is a hip and smooth throwback to his previous releases, “Her Joyride” and “NYC Tripin”. Other great tracks were “South Beach”, “Cream” and “Her Dream”. Though not as outstanding as his debut CD, the recording is much better than his last two CD releases. This album includes a second CD filed with re-mixes from his hugely successful debut album. The CD called, “All the Pretty Lights” is available on his official website, soulballet.com.

 

September 2nd, 2004
Glyn MacDonald – Glyn MacDonald Trio
3½ stars out of 4

Glyn MacDonald is a talented pianist from Australia, the land down under. I was asked to evaluate his latest CD. Upon listening, I was reminded of a movie a couple of years ago called, “The Talented Mr. Ripley”, which had the same musical influences from Miles Davis, Lester Young, Bud Powell and other jazz greats from the 50’s. This CD is a throwback to those days. The recording is sharp and tight knit. All of the compositions are original, which is a great accomplishment considering most classic jazz CD’s out there contain one or two tracks from someone else. I enjoyed the tracks, “City Lights” and “2nd set at the Supper Club” which displayed the impressive talents of Carl Mackey and Matt Jodrell on Trumpet and Saxophone. The Glyn MacDonald Trio provides music for Jazz lovers to listen to on a lazy evening.

 

September 2nd, 2004
Larry White – Unsolicited Material
3½ Stars out of 4

Larry White has done plenty of work in Hollywood and on Broadway musical productions in New York. He now releases a solo album to further his musical talents. The CD, “Unsolicited Material” is a welcome sampling of contemporary jazz flavors. His style is much like fellow pianists David Benoit, Greg Karukas and Brian Culbertson, following the same musical formula. The music is not overpowering and plays very refreshing music. I enjoyed the tracks “Morro Bay”, “Joyride” and “A Quarter or Two...” as they highlight his piano talents. If you’re looking for a Contemporary Jazz breakout CD, this could be it. Give it a try!

 

September 2nd, 2004
Mehdi – Instrumental Heaven
3½ stars out of 4

Mehdi is a multi talented instrumentalist whose music releases has been given worldwide acclaim. His seventh release called “Instrumental Heaven” is just that, a bit of heaven. His music is soothing and relaxing. I enjoyed the tracks, “Heaven”, and “Sweet Memories”, which has a touch of flamenco guitar in the Ottmar Liebert tradition. As with most New Age, the music can get a bit redundant at times. But Mehdi gives the listener melodies that are refreshing throughout the CD. This was a satisfying listening experience. Recommended!
 

August 1st, 2004
Ryan Farish – Beautiful
4 Stars out of 4

One of my favorite independent artists has a new CD out. Ryan Farish was in high demand when the old MP3.com website was alive, receiving more downloads than any other independent artist. The Norfolk, Virginia area resident's music is a mix of New Age and Acid Jazz, blended together into a great source of listening pleasure. If you’ve never heard of Ryan Farish, you might want to check out the Weather Channel during the local forecasts as they give his music plenty of airplay. His new CD, “Beautiful” is bursting at the seams with life. It contains several tracks from previous CD releases. “Secret Garden” and “Letting Go” are two songs that get a second listen as well as new recordings such as “Sunshine in the Rain” and “Adoration”. I love the arrangements and production value on this CD. Allot of preparation was made on this CD and the final result is outstanding. It’s a great CD, one I’ll be putting in my CD changer for a long time to come!

 

August 1st, 2004
Tommy Brown – Feeling
3 out of 4 Stars

Live365.com had this artist in their music library for a few months in 2004. But, it wasn’t until his publicist dropped me a note about his new CD that I garnered interest in it. Upon listening, I noticed his voice is smooth, very much like R&B vocalist, R. Kelly, not overpowering and not too annoying. “Crush” was clearly the signature track on the CD. I was keen on its high quality arrangement. Other highlights were the tracks, “Giving Upon Love” & “I Can’t Believe”. I also enjoyed the remixes on the tail end of the recording. The remix track, “Be Mine” I thought was better than the vocal version. There were a few shortcomings. The liner notes could have used a more professional CD cover as it seemed amateurish. (The Amazon.com website has an updated liner note cover as displayed above. The CD I received was different.) But overall, it’s not a bad CD from the Chicago native. Recommended!

August 1st, 2004
Igor – You and I
3 out of 4 Stars

I’ve been alerted to another Smooth Jazz musician from Eastern Europe. Igor is originally from Moscow, Russia. He started playing the saxophone as a teenager and developed his craft from the Conservatorium of Music in Russia. After much accolades in his native country, he immigrated to Australia with his wife and son and is enjoying much musical success. This CD is right out of the Kenny G school of Saxophone playing. Igor music is crisp and refreshing. I enjoyed the smooth sound of the tracks, “Luna Latina”, “First Romance” and “Flying Home”. This is recommended if you have a dinner party or a light get together. It’s an impressive recording!

 

July 10th, 2004
Robert Jennings – Passages
3 out of 4 Stars

Robert Jennings is certainly a multi talented musician, playing much of the instruments, arranging & producing on his latest CD, “Passages”. The Toronto area resident certainly tries hard to win the listener over with its diverse offerings of New Age and Classical music. I was impressed with his solo piano compositions on the tracks, “Affection” and “Quilt”. His style reminds me of pianist, Jim Chappell. However, his other works did become abstract for my taste. The tracks, “Eclipse” and “Fireside” seemed to linger on during the duration. But overall, it’s a good effort. The CD’s is certainly for Yoga and other New Age relaxation regiments.

July 10th, 2004
Martin Campbell Trio - My Reward
3 out of 4 Stars

This CD from down under takes Jazz and gives it an Australian flavor. With the help of fellow musicians Vince Hopkins, Mark Voogd and Mark Mathews, Martin Campbell provides us with Jazz standards and original compositions that are pleasant and challenging to the listener. I enjoyed the version of Thelonious Monk's tune, "Blue Monk" as well as Campbell's track, "Maybe Mingus", which is I believe is an ode to the great sax man, Charles Mingus. Some listeners may be intimidated by the intangible nature of this CD, but conformists of Freeform, Bebop and Swing will be impressed by its authenticity. A good listen!

 

June 1st, 2004
Lisa Hilton – Jazz After Hours
4 Stars out of 4

Lisa does it again! Her latest album contains the same formula as her last release. Assisted by veteran Saxophonist Eric Marienthal, she continues her venture of providing great, classic Jazz. “Malibu” starts the CD off right with an assist from Bassist Reggie McBride and Drummer Tal Bergman. Her covers of the Miles Davis classic, “All Blues” and Duke Ellington’s, “Azure” gives fans of 50’s & 60’s Jazz something to appreciate. My personal favorites were “Listen to Your Heart” and “All That”. The old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” applies to this CD. Lisa definitely sticks to the same old routine and she scores another winner!

June 1st, 2004
Michael Dulin – The One I Waited For
4 Stars out of 4
Michael Dulin – Atmospheres
4 Stars out of 4

This pianist has an impressive resume. He was schooled at the prestigious Julliard School of Music in New York. He owns a professional recording studio & label and has toured with various artists including the legendary Dennis Edwards of The Temptations. He’s sent me two of his previous CD’s for review.

New Age music is an acquired taste. When it’s done right, it can be a wonderful genre to listen to. The CD, “The One I Waited For” is an example of that. The music reminds me of the compositions of fellow solo pianists Jim Chappell and Danny Wright, of which, Dulin is in the same, elite class. Highlights include, “The Way Home”, “Wedding Day” and the title track. The CD title is symbolic as it was named for his fiancé, Jan. His solo piano compositions are soothing and relaxing. This 2002 CD release was really a joy to experience.

Dulin’s 2003 release, “Atmospheres”, has more of the same New Age flavor. With this release, he uses Synthesizers to accompany his solo piano work. The difference is clear on the tracks, “A Song for Jan” and “Night Rhythms”. I enjoyed the latter track as it has a little Bossa Nova beat and compliments the recording. He’s one of the more talented musicians on the New Age circuit. It was an pleasant experience!

 

June 1st, 2004
2 Good to Go – Night Time
3 Stars out of 4
2 Good to Go – Delicious
2½ Stars out of 4

Chester Thomas provided me with two more releases of his work with the group, 2 Good to Go.

The 2003 release, “Night Time” is pretty much a rehash of his last CD “Twilight”. A sharp mix of rhythmic R&B and Acid Jazz flavors. This album, like this previous release, reminds me of Heavyshift and Shakatak. I liked the tracks, “Blue Sky” & “17th Street. Overall, the CD’s not bad.

The addition of vocals on the 2004 release, “Delicious” sounded like a good idea on one or two tracks. But the whole CD is filled with vocals and that took away from the experience. A few tracks came off sounding pretty neat, other tracks were rather annoying. Only one track caught my attention and that was the last one, “Midnight Lady”. I liked the blend of Funk, R&B and Acid Jazz and the background vocals reminded me of Donna Summer’s “Love to love ya”. Overall, the CD is not as good as “Twilight”, but it is a mixed blend.