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Eric Darius "Just Getting Started" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:34:12 +0000

Talented young smooth jazz saxophonist Eric Darius has released his latest CD entitled Just Getting Started.

I’m very confident Eric Darius fans, and smooth jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Just Getting Started the young and extremely talented Darius’s artistic excellence is on full display as he has delivered a brilliant collection of tracks.

Just Getting Started is Darius’s second major label release in as many years, and is a very soulful CD that’s part funk, part smooth jazz, all nice, and balanced just right.

The CD launches with a great track, Steppin’ Up, that will definitely be heard on smooth jazz radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. From there Darius proceeds to display why he is destined to be a top artist in the smooth jazz category. Displaying what is becoming his own signature, funky style throughout the CD.

Contributors on the project includes an amazing line up of smooth jazz and music industry heavy hitters. Names like Jeff Lorber on several tracks, Paul Brown, Euge Groove, and the incomparable Brian Culbertson. Plus a few other notables as well.

Overall Just Getting Started is an excellent contribution by the young and clearly very talented Darius and would be a great addition to your smooth jazz collection. It’s quite simply a very entertaining CD.

While this entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes and SmoothJazz247.com favorites are Lover’s Paradise [track 2], Right Here, Right Now [track 6], and It’s Alright With Me [track 9]. My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 10, Can’t Let Go. Very nice!

Release Notes:

Eric Darius originally released Just Getting Started on March 7, 2006 on the Narada record label.

CD track list follows:

1. Steppin’ Up

2. Lover’s Paradise

3. Secret Soul

4. Groove On

5. Back At Cha

6. Right Here, Right Now

7. That’s What I’m Sayin’

8. If I Ain’t Got You

9. It’s Alright With Me

10. Can’t Let Go

11. Slick

By: Tom Milson

Everette Harp "In The Moment" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:59:57 +0000

The exceptionally talented Smooth Jazz Artist Everette Harp has released his latest CD entitled In The Moment. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Everette Harp fans, and smooth jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of In The Moment Everette Harp’s artistic excellence is on full display as he has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be his best work to date.

The CD launches with a great track, Monday Speaks, that will definitely be heard on smooth jazz radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. From there Harp proceeds to display why he is considered one the greatest smooth jazz artists of our time as he mixes his signature style throughout the CD.

These days it’s a very rare CD on which every single song is good or better than the one before it. This CD is certainly one of those rare CDs.

In fact I’d go so far as to assert that Harp’s best work has come in his last to releases. Now having distinguished his own unique voice on the saxophone.

Smooth Jazz music fans will recognize some of the well known guests that have been assembled to play along with Harp on several of the tracks. Artists like Paul Jackson Jr., George Duke and Chuck Loeb just to name a few.

Overall I’d say Everette Harp scores big with In The Moment. Continuing his rise as a top smooth jazz sax player. Definitely a worthy addition to any smooth jazz collection.

Truly an outstanding smooth jazz CD. One of those that is completely void of any wasted time, as each track is absolutely superb.

While this entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are Monday Speaks [track 1], Just As You Are [track 4], and Another Bedtime Story [track 6]. My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 2, Holla. Very nice!

Release Notes:

Everette Harp originally released In The Moment on May 23, 2006 on the Shanachie record label.

CD track list follows:

1. Monday Speaks

2. Holla

3. Back To Basics

4. Just As You Are

5. In the Moment

6. Another Bedtime Story

7. No Bout a Doubt It!

8. L. V. Shuffle

9. Night Calls

10. Happy Accidental

By: Tom Milson

Marc Antoine Universal Language Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 09:25:22 +0000

The exceptionally talented Jazz artist Marc Antoine has released him CD entitled Universal Language. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Marc Antoine fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Universal Language Marc Antoine’s artistic excellence is on full display as Antoine has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

It’s a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I’m more than happy to announce that’s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply isn’t a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it’s own.

Marc Antoine is one of those musicians that has the ability to just win you over with him talent. The kind of artist it’s really a treat to be able to listen to.

I’m of the opinion that Universal Language is certainly Marc Antoine’s best work in a few years. A totally enjoyable CD and an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up because it’s a collection that even the casual Jazz fan can appreciate and enjoy.

While the entire album is outstanding some of my favorites are track 4 – Children At Play, track 9 – Point Of View, and track 10 – Crossroads

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Palm Strings. Wow!

Universal Language Release Notes:

Marc Antoine originally released Universal Language on February 15, 2000 on the GRP Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Palm Strings

2. Valerio

3. Celta

4. Children At Play

5. El Camino

6. N.Y. Strolling

7. Elikya (Hope)

8. Bossa Nouveau

9. Point Of View

10. Crossroads

Personnel: Marc Antoine (nylon acoustic & steel-strings guitars, percussion, programming); Lokua Kanza (vocals, guitar); Cara Jackson (vocals); Andy Snitzer (saxophone); Jim Hynes (trumpet); Michael Davis (trombone); Dave Valentin (flute); Philippe Saisse (piano, keyboards, drums, percussion, programming); Jeff Golub (electric guitar, electric sitar, mandolin); Will Lee, Mark Egan, Andre Magna (bass).

Engineers: Philippe Saisse, Roy Hendrickson.

Recorded at Valerian Studio, New York, New York.

By: Tom Milson

Marc Antoine Classical Soul Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:02:40 +0000

The exceptionally talented Jazz artist Marc Antoine has released him CD entitled Classical Soul. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Marc Antoine fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Classical Soul Marc Antoine’s artistic excellence is on full display as Antoine has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

I wish it weren’t the case but, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Classical Soul. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Jazz isn’t your favorite genre you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

Listen to this CD and I believe you’ll find there’s not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Marc Antoine is clearly in top form. So much so that if you’re even mildly into Jazz music you’ll enjoy this CD.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 – French Dream, track 7 – Follow Your Bliss, and track 9 – Classical Soul

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Smart But Casual. This is a great track!

Classical Soul Release Notes:

Marc Antoine originally released Classical Soul on January 27, 1998 on the NYC Music label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Smart But Casual

2. French Dream

3. P.C.H. (Pacific Coast Highway)

4. Unity

5. Universal Language

6. Timeless Line

7. Follow Your Bliss

8. New Boundaries

9. Classical Soul

Personnel: Marc Antoine (vocals, guitar, keyboards, synthesizers, bass, programming); Bernadette Barlow, Allan Sovory, Larry J. Blouin (vocals); John Lewis (vocals, programming); Sam Riney (saxophone, flute); Mike Mainieri (vibraphone); Michael Mishaw, Chris Conti, Michael Railton (keyboards); Jimmy Haslip, Armand Sabal-Lecco, Derrick Bourne (bass); Willie McNeil, Lenny Castro, Juliet Prater, Steve Reid (percussion); Jason Daniel Silva, The Lumberjack (programming).

Recorded at Frazzy Frog Studios, France and Slamm Shack Studios, North Hollywood, California.

All songs written or co-written by Marc Antoine. Samples include “The Lope Song” (Eddie Russ/Jazzmasters).

By: Tom Milson

Review of the Weather Report CD Mysterious Traveller

admin2 — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 05:18:52 +0000

The exceptionally talented Jazz group Weather Report have released their CD entitled Mysterious Traveller. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Weather Report fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Mysterious Traveller their artistic excellence is on full display as they have once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be their best work to date.

I wish it weren’t the case but, it’s not everyday that I get a CD for review that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Mysterious Traveller. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

The nice thing about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Jazz isn’t your favorite style you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the musicians.

Overall Mysterious Traveller is an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up and is most definitely a worthy addition to any Jazz collection. Truly an outstanding Jazz CD. One of those that is completely void of any wasted time, as each track is simply superb.

While this entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 2 – American Tango, track 5 – Blackthorn Rose, and track 7 – Jungle Book

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Nubian Sundance. Outstanding!

Mysterious Traveller Release Notes:

Weather Report originally released Mysterious Traveller on June 4, 2002 on the Legacy Recordings label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Nubian Sundance

2. American Tango

3. Cucumber Slumber

4. Mysterious Traveller

5. Blackthorn Rose

6. Scarlet Woman

7. Jungle Book

Weather Report: Wayne Shorter (soprano & tenor saxophones); Joe Zawinul (Fender Rhodes, piano, synthesizer); Alphonso Johnson (electric bass); Ishmael Wilburn (drums); Dom Um Romao (percussion).

Additional personnel: Miroslav Vitous (acoustic bass); Eric Gravatt (drums).

Recorded at Devonshire Sound, North Hollywood, California between February and March 1974. Includes liner notes by Hal Miller.

By: Tom Milson

Grady Nichols "Sophistication" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 01:14:24 +0000

The exceptionally talented Smooth Jazz artist Grady Nichols has released his CD entitled Sophistication. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Grady Nichols fans, and Smooth Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Sophistication Grady Nichols’s artistic excellence is on full display as he has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be his best work to date.

Grady Nichols has been a super star in the Smooth Jazz genre for quite some time now and Sophistication is an excellent illustration as to why.

Smooth Jazz music fans will recognize some of the well known contributors n the project including Jeff Lorber and Chris Botti plus a few other notables as well.

If you’re a Grady Nichols fan this is a CD your collection flat cannot be without. In fact, this is one of those CDs that you don’t even have to be a fan of Nichols, or even Smooth Jazz to know is good. It’s just good music. Period.

While the entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 1, Tuesday Morning, track 4, End Of The Night, and track 9, Circle Of Friends.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, Dinner And A Movie. What a nice track!

Sophistication Release Notes:

Grady Nichols originally released Sophistication on Jul 27, 2004 on the Compendia Music Group label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Tuesday Morning

2. Livin’ O The Life

3. Sneak

4. End Of The Night

5. All Right

6. Dinner And A Movie

7. Within The Blue

8. Behind The Scenes

9. Circle Of Friends

10. Alone With You

11. Quiet Times

Personnel include: Grady Nichols (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Jeff Lorber (various instruments); Paul Pesco, Ray Fuller (guitar); Chris Botti (trumpet). Recording information: JHL Sounds, Pacific Palisades, California.

By: Tom Milson

Brecker Brothers Out Of The Loop Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:35:38 +0000

The exceptionally talented Jazz group Brecker Brothers have released their CD entitled Out Of The Loop. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Brecker Brothers fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Out Of The Loop their artistic excellence is on full display as they have once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be their best work to date.

It’s a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I’m more than happy to announce that’s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply isn’t a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it’s own.

These days it’s a very rare CD on which every single song is good or better than the one before it. This CD is certainly one of those rare CDs.

Listen to and I think you’ll agree that the song choices are excellent, the production is outstanding and Brecker Brothers is clearly a group that is in top form.

While this entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 4 – Secret Heart, track 6 – When It Was, and track 9 – And Then She Wept.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 8 – The Nightwalker. Good stuff!

Out Of The Loop Release Notes:

Brecker Brothers originally released Out Of The Loop on September 13, 1994 on the GRP Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Slang

2. Evocations

3. Scrunch

4. Secret Heart

5. African Skies

6. When It Was

7. Harpoon

8. Nightwalker, The

9. And Then She Wept

Personnel: Michael Brecker (soprano & tenor saxophones, Akai EWI); Randy Brecker (trumpet, flugelhorn); Eliane Elias (vocals, keyboards); Armand Sabal-Lecco (vocals, acoustic piccolo bass, bass); George Whitty (piano, keyboards, Hammond bass, programming); Robbie Kilgore (keyboards, guitar, programming); Maz Kessler (keyboards, programming); Dean Brown, Larry Saltzman (guitar); James Genus (acoustic & electric basses); Steve Jordan, Shawn Pelton, Rodney Holmes (drums); Steve Thornton (percussion); Chris Botti, Andy Snitzer (programming); Mark Ledford (background vocals).

Producers include: George Whitty, Chris Botti, Andy Snitzer, Maz Kessler, Robbie Kilgore.

Recorded at Skyline Studios, New York, New York.

By: Tom Milson

Nelson Rangell – Look Again – Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 02:53:25 +0000

The exceptionally talented Jazz artist Nelson Rangell has released him CD entitled Look Again. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Nelson Rangell fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Look Again Nelson Rangell’s artistic excellence is on full display as Rangell has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

Nelson Rangell has been a heavy hitter in the Jazz genre for quite some time now and Look Again is an excellent illustration as to why.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Jazz isn’t your favorite genre you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

If you’re a Nelson Rangell fan, or just a fan of Jazz music this is a CD your collection simply should not be without.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 3 – Good Morning Love, track 8 – Somethin’s Goin On, and track 11 – Scenario

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Look Again. Good stuff!

Look Again Release Notes:

Nelson Rangell originally released Look Again on March 11, 2003 on the A440 Music Group label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Look Again

2. Dedication

3. Good Morning Love

4. Off The Hook

5. Saturday Night

6. Long Walk

7. Steppin’

8. Somethin’s Goin On

9. With All My Heart

10. Whisper

11. Scenario

Personnel includes: Nelson Rangell (saxophone); Terry Black (vocals, keyboards, Moog bass, programming); Will Downing (vocals); Jeff Kivet (trumpet); Ozzie Melendez (trombone); John Blasucci (keyboards, Hammond B-3 organ); Chris Davis, David Mann, Tejai (keyboards, programming); Gerey Johnson, Rhon Lawrence (guitar); Will Lee, Lamar Jones, Richard Patterson, Vernon Barbary (bass); Khari Parker, Ralph Rolle, Tarell Martin (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion); Craig Bauer (programming).

Producers include: Chris Davis, Darren Rahn, Craig Bauer, Vernon Barbary, Terry Black.

By: Tom Milson

A Guide to the Annual Brussels Jazz Festival

admin2 — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:58:15 +0000

Jazz fans from throughout the world descend on the city for this annual event which takes place from May 25th to May 27th of every year.

Prepare your ears for a feast as you set off for the Brussels Jazz Marathon where you can enjoy all the jazz you want, from funk to Latino, classic to improvisational, as the best of Europe’s musicians come out to play. For all music lovers and jazz aficionados, this festival cannot be missed.

If you are thinking of travelling to Brussels, try to time your trip to experience the Jazz Festival. Brussels is a musical city, famous for its jazz caf

Maysa "Out Of The Blue" Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 01:08:43 +0000

Out Of The Blue is the latest Jazz CD put out by the extremely talented Maysa who once again has delivered a brilliant collection of tracks. I’m confident Maysa fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one.

Out Of The Blue grabs your attention right out of the gate with Friendly Pressure and doesn’t let go until the very last note of the very last song Family Affair, which by the way is another great track.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you’ve got one of Maysa’s most impressive releases ever.

If you’re a Maysa fan, or just a fan of Jazz music this is a CD your collection simply should not be without.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, Right Here, Right Now. Great track!

Out Of The Blue Release Notes:

Maysa originally released Out Of The Blue on Jul 30, 2002 on the N-Coded Music label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Friendly Pressure

2. Out Of The Blue

3. Spirit

4. Head To The Sky

5. Simple Life

6. Right Here, Right Now

7. MSDF – (interlude)

8. Mr. So Damn Fine

9. I Want You – (interlude)

10. Blue Horizon

11. Osaka

12. Everything

13. Tailor Made Love

14. If It’s Love

15. Thank You – (interlude)

16. Family Affair – (bonus track)

Personnel includes: Maysa, Will Downing (vocals); Peter White (acoustic guitar); Wayne Bruce, Ronnie Jordon, Wah-Wah Watson, Yosuke Oskada (guitar); Yoichiro Yoken Mizue (saxophone, trumpet, trombone); Rex Ridout (keyboards); Takahiro Watanabe (organ); Ronnie Garrett, Alex Al, Sekou Bunch (bass); Michael White (drums); Paulino Da Costa (percussion); Kim Brewer, Darcy Aldridge, Mari Mizuno (background vocals). Recorded at Kar Studios, Sherman Oaks, California, Night Flight Studios, Fort Washington, Maryland and Peace In The Valley, Van Nuys, California.

By: Tom Milson