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Alan Hewitt "Metropolis" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:37:59 +0000

One word describes the CD Metropolis from Alan Hewitt… AWESOME!

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.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Smooth Jazz isn’t your favorite style 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, and the production is simply outstanding. If you’re even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you’ll enjoy this CD.

While the entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 3, Velvet Kisses, track 7, Liquid Blue, and track 9, So In Love.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 10, Lost In Emotion. Wow!

Metropolis Release Notes:

Alan Hewitt originally released Metropolis on Jun 06, 2006 on the 215 Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Vibe (Intro)

2. Joyride

3. Velvet Kisses

4. Metropolis

5. Hot Fun In The Summertime

6. Swingin’ On Sunset

7. Liquid Blue

8. So In Love (Interlude)

9. So In Love

10. Lost In Emotion

11. Indigo

12. Soleil

Personnel: Alan Hewitt (piano, keyboards, drums); Sheilah “Shea” Chambers (vocals); Brian Price, Steve Oliver (guitars); Gerald Spikes (saxophone); Steve Madaio (trumpet); Wendell Kelly (trombone); Jervonny Collier (electric bass); Chad Wright (drums).

By: Tom Milson

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

3rd Force "Gentle Force" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:03:35 +0000

I can describe the latest release from Smooth Jazz sensation 3rd Force for you with just one word… Outstanding!

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 Gentle Force. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

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 3rd Force’s most impressive releases ever.

If you’re even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you’ll enjoy this album. Overall Gentle Force is an a great release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 4, I Believe In You. What a nice track!

Gentle Force Release Notes:

3rd Force originally released Gentle Force on May 21, 2002 on the Higher Octave label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Young Again

2. I Believe In You

3. Grateful For Love

4. Follow Your Dream

5. Under Your Spell

6. Ready Or Not

7. Aquamarine

8. Hands Across The Ocean

9. Journey To Now

10. Straight From The Heart

3rd Force includes: William Aura (vocals, keyboards, bass, percussion); Alain Eskinasi (guitar, keyboards, bass, percussion); Craig Dobin (piano, keyboards). Additional personnel includes: Craig Chaquica (acoustic guitar); Grant Geissman (electric guitar, sitar); Brian Hughes (electric guitar, oud); Miles Gilderdale (steel guitar); Greg Carmichael (nylon string guitar); Douglas Spotted Eagle (Native American flute); Tom Scott, Jimmy Sommers, Bryan Savage (saxophone).

By: Tom Milson

Kim Waters "All For Love" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 07:25:37 +0000

I can describe the latest release from Smooth Jazz sensation Kim Waters for you with just one word… Outstanding!

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.

All For Love has a nicely varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly superb artist.

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

If you’re even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you’ll enjoy this album. Overall All For Love is a great release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.

While the entire album is outstanding the truly standout tracks are She’s My Baby [track 1], Dream Machine [track 6], and Sideways [track 10].

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 3, Day Dreaming. Great track!

All For Love Release Notes:

Kim Waters originally released All For Love on Sep 20, 2005 on the Shanachie Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. She’s My Baby – (featuring Maysa)

2. Hot Tub

3. Day Dreaming – (with Maysa)

4. Steppin’ Out

5. All For Love

6. Dream Machine

7. Nature Walk

8. Happy Feeling

9. Good To Go

10. Sideways

Personnel include: Kim Waters (saxophone, keyboards); Maysa (vocals); Chris Davis (various instruments, programming); Chuck Loeb (guitar, keyboards, programming); Wayne Bruce, Carl Burnett (guitar); James Waters (bass guitar); Davy D (programming).

By: Tom Milson

Rick Braun "Full Stride" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:37:36 +0000

Not sure what’s happening with me on this one, but it seems like the more I listen to it, the better Full Stride gets. Full Stride stated simply is one of Rick Braun’s best CDs to date.

Unfortunately, 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 Full Stride. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Full Stride is a nicely varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly gifted artist who in my opinion is one of those musicians that has the ability to just bowl you over with his talent. The kind of artist it’s really a treat to be able to listen to.

Listen to and I think you’ll agree that the song choices are excellent, the production is simply outstanding.

While the entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are Nightfall [track 2], and Magic Moment [track 8].

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

Full Stride Release Notes:

Rick Braun originally released Full Stride on Sep 15, 1998 on the Atlantic label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. A Very Good Thing

2. Nightfall

3. Hollywood & Vine

4. One Love

5. Moonshot

6. China Bath

7. Magic Moment

8. Soul On Soul

9. South Of Midnight

10. Aqua Funk

Personnel: Rick Braun (trumpet, Flugelhorn, keyboards, programming); Peter White (nylon string guitar); Jeff Golub, Nils Jiptner, Tony Maiden, Bruce Conte, Carl Verheyen (guitar); Maysa Leak (vocals); Doug Norwine (soprano & tenor saxophone); Lee Thornburg (trumpet); Nick Lane (trombone); Mitchel Forman (acoustic & electric piano); Curtis Brengle (piano); Moon Calhoun (synthesizer, percussion, programming); Donnell Spencer, Jr. (keyboards, drums); Brian Culbertson, Chuck Kentis (keyboards, programming); Boney James, David Garfield (keyboards); Cliff Hugo (acoustic & electric bass); Jack Daro (acoustic bass); John Menzano (bass); Dave Palmer, Michael White (drums); Paul Brown (programming).

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

Scott Hamilton – Back In New York – Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 07:54:05 +0000

One word describes the CD Back In New York from Scott Hamilton… AWESOME!

Scott Hamilton has been a super star in the Jazz genre for quite a while now and Back In New York is an excellent illustration as to why.

Back In New York is a pleasantly varied, mix of 1 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly superb artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are him own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

Overall Back In New York 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 CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 4 – I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face, track 7 – Bouncing With Bud, and track 10 – I’ve Just Seen Her

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – What Is This Thing Called Love. This is a great track!

Back In New York Release Notes:

Scott Hamilton originally released Back In New York on April 5, 2005 on the Concord Jazz label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. What Is This Thing Called Love

2. Wonder Why

3. Blue ‘N’ Boogie

4. I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face

5. Lullaby Of The Leaves

6. Fine And Dandy

7. Bouncing With Bud

8. Love Letters

9. This Is Always

10. I’ve Just Seen Her

Personnel: Scott Hamilton (tenor saxophone); Bill Charlap (piano); Peter Washington (double bass); Kenny Washington (drums). Recording information: Nola Studios, New York, New York (2004).

By: Tom Milson

Kenny G "At Last – The Duets Album" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:09:14 +0000

Kenny G, the smooth jazz icon saxophonist for almost 20 years now, has released his first all guest star CD entitled At Last…The Duets Album.

This release finds the smooth jazz saxophone superstar paired with vocal giants ranging from Barbra Streisand, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan to pop stars including LeAnn Rimes, Daryl Hall, Richard Marx, Brian McKnight, and Earth, Wind and Fire just to name a few.

He also enlisted some instrumental industry heavyweights to pitch in as well. Including trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, saxophonist David Sanborn, pianist David Benoit, and the legendary composer Burt Bacharach.

The CD formula largely works, coming off as a breezy, laid back concert with G adding soft asides to his guest’s vocal performances.

On track 7 Brian McKnight delivers a very nice rendition of Careless Whispers, and on what could be the highlight of the collection, track 5, Chaka Khan actually betters Christina Aguilera’s already outstanding Beautiful. Making it her very own as only she can.

Another very good song is track 6, Pick Up The Pieces on which G teams up with fellow sax smooth jazz Hall of Famer David Sanborn. The pairing of the two saxophone legends leads to a very intriguing sound combination.

I give At Last… The Duets Album my highest recommendation. It just plain belongs in any serious music collectors collection regardless of genre preference.

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 Kenny G’s most impressive releases ever.

While this entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes and SmoothJazz247.com favorites are Don’t Know Why [track 2], Pick Up The Pieces [track 6], and Baby Come To Me [track 9]. My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 7, Careless Whisper. Very nice!

Release Notes:

Kenny G originally released At Last… The Duets Album on November 23, 2004 on the Arista record label.

CD track list follows:

1. (Everything I Do) I Do It For You- featuring LeAnn Rimes

2. Don’t Know Why- featuring David Benoit

3. I Believe I Can Fly- featuring Yolanda Adams

4. At Last- featuring Arturo Sandoval

5. Beautiful- featuring Chaka Khan

6. Pick Up The Pieces- featuring David Sanborn

7. Careless Whisper- featuring Brian McKnight

8. Misty- featuring Gladys Knight

9. Baby Come To Me- featuring Daryl Hall

10. The Way You Move- featuring Earth Wind & Fire

11. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word- featuring Richard Marx

12. Alfie- featuring Burt Bacharach

13. XThe Music That Makes Me Dance- featuring Barbra Streisand

By: Tom Milson

Lalah Hathaway "Outrun The Sky" Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:38:48 +0000

Lalah Hathaway, very talented Jazz artist has released her latest CD titled Outrun The Sky and Wow! It’s really a good one.

This one grabs your attention right out of the gate with How Many Times and doesn’t let go until the very last note of the very last song Boston, 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 Lalah Hathaway’s most impressive releases ever.

If you’re a Lalah Hathaway 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 Hathaway, or even Jazz to know is good. It’s just good music. Period.

While the entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are How Many Times [track 1], Forever, For Always, For Love [track 4], and Outrun The Sky [track 6].

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 3, Your Favorite Song. It’s a great track!

Outrun The Sky Release Notes:

Lalah Hathaway originally released Outrun The Sky on Sep 28, 2004 on the ARK 21 label.

CD Track List Follows:

How Many Times Back Then Your Favorite Song Forever, For Always, For Love Better And Better Outrun The Sky If U Ever In The End Admit It Stronger We Were 2 More Boston

Personnel include: Lalah Hathaway (vocals); Mike City (various instruments); David Delhomme (guitar, keyboards); Chris Parks (guitar, bass guitar); John “Jubu” Smith (guitar); Brandon Fields (saxophone); Tim Carmon (Fender Rhodes piano, organ); Michael White, Poogie Bell (drums); Ricky Rodriguez (percussion).

By: Tom Milson