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Marc Antoine Classical Soul Jazz Music CD Review

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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

Dave Koz "At The Movies" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

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Very talented Smooth Jazz Sax man Dave Koz has released his latest album titled At The Movies and Wow! It’s really a good one.

Koz has put together a wonderful salute to songs from the movies that’s not only fresh in it’s approach but also pays tribute to the songs. Updating them and giving them a new and nicely updated feel.

The CD is loaded with vocal tracks that are spectacular. Featuring the vocal talents of Anita Baker, Vanessa Williams, and Barry Manilow just to list a few. Each on blending perfectly with Koz and his impeccable saxophone work.

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.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Smooth Jazz isn’t your favorite genre you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the artist involved in the project, and there are many to appreciate.

At The Movies is a without question a first rate CD, delivering a little something for everyone. I give it my highest recommendation. It’s quite simply great listening. A must buy if you’re even mildly into Smooth Jazz music or happen to be a movie buff.

While this entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are As Time Goes By [track 3], Somewhere, which features Anita Baker [track 4], and It Might Be You featuring the rising star of India.Arie [track 9].

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 5, The Shadow of Your Smile. Featuring Chris Botti AND Johnny Mathis. Great track!

At The Movies Release Notes:

Dave Koz originally released At The Movies on January 30, 2007 on the Capitol record label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Over The Rainbow – The Wizard Of Oz

2. Moon River featuring Barry Manilow – Breakfast At Tiffany’s

3. As Time Goes By – Casablanca

4. Somewhere featuring Anita Baker – West Side Story

5. The Shadow Of Your Smile (Love Theme From “The Sandpiper”) featuring Johnny Mathis and Chris Botti – The Sandpiper

6. The Pink Panther – The Pink Panther

7. The Way We Were featuring Vanessa Williams – The Way We Were

8. The Summer Knows (Theme From “Summer Of ‘42″) – Summer Of `42

9. It Might Be You featuring India.Arie – Tootsie

10. Cinema Paradiso Suite – Cinema Paradiso

11. A Whole New World featuring Donna Summer – Aladdin

12. Schindler’s List (Main Theme) – Schindler’s List

By: Tom Milson

Alex Bugnon "Free" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

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Free is the latest release from Smooth Jazz Star Alex Bugnon, and I can only think of one word to describe this CD… AWESOME!

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

Free has a nicely varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly gifted artist.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is with this level of talent 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 overall production is simply outstanding. If you’re even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you’ll enjoy this album.

While this entire album is outstanding the truly standout tracks are Free [track 1], In Your Eyes [track 4], and Pillow Talk [track 8].

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

Free Release Notes:

Alex Bugnon originally released Free on Oct 04, 2005 on the Narada record label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Free

2. Fingertips

3. Carrera

4. In Your Eyes

5. Sierra Leone

6. Downtime

7. Tomorrow (Better You, Better Me)

8. Pillow Talk

9. Don’t Go

10. Out There

Personnel include: Alex Bugnon (piano); Vincent Henry (harmonica, soprano saxophone); Victor Bailey (bass instrument); Sonny Emory (drums).

By: Tom Milson