Jazz Festivals » Smooth Jazz Music

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

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

Bona Fide "Soul Lounge" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:03:42 +0000

Bona Fide, very talented Smooth Jazz artist has released his latest album titled Soul Lounge and Wow! It’s really a good one.

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 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 Bona Fide’s most impressive releases ever.

Listen to Soul Lounge 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 album.

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

Soul Lounge Release Notes:

Bona Fide originally released Soul Lounge on Sep 27, 2005 on the Heads Up Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Bona Fide Club

2. Funk Box

3. Soul Lounge

4. Girand’s

5. Midnight Train

6. The Journey

7. Bromo Tower

8. Deep Chill

9. 23rd Of May

10. B. More Knights

11. Rosebank Gang

Bona Fide: George Hazelrigg (guitar, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, Wurlitzer piano); Kevin Levi (saxophone, keyboards); Tim Camponeschi (keyboards, bass guitar); John E. Coale (drums); Howard Zizzi (percussion). Additional personnel: Rick Aurich, Willie Williams (guitar); Chuck Loeb (electric guitar); Jimmy Wilson (flugelhorn); Joe Ercole (keyboards)

By: Tom Milson

Craig Chaquico "Four Corners" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:30:15 +0000

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

Four Corners launches with an outstanding track, The Drifter, that I anticipate will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It’s a really nice track.

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.

Overall Four Corners is excellent from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Smooth Jazz fan. Really sensational from beginning to end.

While the entire album is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2, Forbidden Love, track 4, Red Rocks, and track 7, A Mothers Heart.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, Somebody To Love. Good stuff!

Four Corners Release Notes:

Craig Chaquico originally released Four Corners on Jun 29, 1999 on the Higher Octave record label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. The Drifter

2. Forbidden Love

3. Turquoise Moon

4. Red Rocks

5. Arizona Daybreak

6. Somebody To Love – (featuring 3rd Force)

7. A Mothers Heart

8. Haight Ashbury

9. Samba Del Rio

10. Borders

11. Four Corners

Personnel includes: Craig Chaquico (guitar); Richard Hardy (soprano saxophone); Everett Harp (saxophone); Alain Eskinasi, Craig Dobbin (keyboards); Derek Jones (bass); Wade Olson (drums). Producers include: Paul Brown, Russ Freeman, William Aura, Ozzie Ahlers, Craig Chaquico. Engineers include: Craig Chaquico, Ozzie Ahlers, William Aura. Recorded at Brauntosoarus, Woodland Hills, California; Cheyenne Mountain Ranch, Woodland Park, Colorado; Auravision, Ojai, California; Funky Joint Studios, Sherman Oaks, California. Live Recording.

By: Tom Milson

Keiko Matsui Piano Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:22:50 +0000

Piano is the latest release from Smooth Jazz Artist Keiko Matsui, and is another great one by this talented musician.

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 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 Keiko Matsui’s most impressive releases ever.

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

While this entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 1 – Presence Of The Moon, track 3 – Whisper From The Mirror, and track 5 – Light Above The Trees.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 10 – See You There. Good stuff!

Piano Release Notes:

Keiko Matsui originally released Piano on May 6, 2003 on the Sony Wonder label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Presence Of The Moon

2. Water Lily

3. Whisper From The Mirror

4. Between The Moons

5. Light Above The Trees

6. Doll

7. Beyond The Light

8. Trees

9. Forever, Forever

10. See You There

11. Dawn

12. Distance

13. Be With Me

Personnel: Keiko Matsui (piano); Derek Nakamoto (programming). Recorded at Power House Studio, Tokyo, Japan.

By: Tom Milson