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Grady Nichols "Sophistication" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 15:42:13 +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

Paul Brown "Up Front" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:58:28 +0000

Paul Brown has released his most recent CD entitled Up Front.

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

Up Front is a pleasantly varied, mix of 12 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly talented artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are his own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

The nice thing 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.

This is 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.

While the entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 1, Wes’ Coast Swing, track 2 Angel, track 5 My Funny Valentine.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 4, Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight. This is a great track!

Up Front Release Notes:

Paul Brown originally released Up Front on Feb 24, 2004 on the GRP Records record label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Wes’ Coast Swing

2. Angel

3. Moment By Moment

4. Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight

5. My Funny Valentine

6. Phat City

7. Sweet Sweet Love

8. Ain’t No Sunshine

9. Chill Out

10. 24/7

11. Dear Ndugu

12. Moondance

Personnel: Paul Brown (vocals, guitar, programming); Larry Williams (saxophone, flute, keyboards); Boney James, Dan Higgins (saxophone); Rick Braun, Jerry Hey (trumpet); Bill Reichenbach (trombone); Cam (horns, keyboards, bass, drums, programming); Jeff Lorber (vibraphone); D.C. (keyboards, vocodor, synthesizer, guitar, programming); Jeff Carruthers (keyboards, acoustic & electric guitars, bass, drums); Chuck Loeb (keyboards, acoustic guitar); Kurt Clayton (keyboards, bass, drums); Roberto Vally (keyboards, bass); Peter White (nylon string guitar). Producers include: Peter Brown, Johnny Britt, Cam, Jeff Carruthers, Chuck Loeb. Principally recorded at Funky Joint, Sherman Oaks, California and The Soul Shack, Van Nuys, California.

By: Tom Milson

Everette Harp "All For You" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:45:41 +0000

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

Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

All For You is a pleasantly varied, mix of 12 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. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are his own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

The nice thing 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.

Overall All For You is an outstanding release. Quite possibly Everette Harp’s best to date. Really sensational from beginning to end. If you’re even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you’ll enjoy this CD.

While this entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 4, Just Like Ole Times, track 6, Time Of Our Lives, track 10, I Like The Way.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 5, When Can I See You Again. It’s a great track!

All For You Release Notes:

Everette Harp originally released All For You on Jul 20, 2004 on the A440 Music Group label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Kisses Don’t Lie

2. Back In Your Arms

3. Hey Yeh

4. Just Like Ole Times

5. When Can I See You Again

6. Time Of Our Lives

7. Can You Hear Me

8. Groove Control

9. It’s Just The Way That You Love Me

10. I Like The Way

11. I Remember When

12. In The Blink Of An Eye

Personnel include: Everette Harp (vocals, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, keyboards, programming); Howard Hewitt (vocals); Dwight Sills, Norman Brown, Paul Jackson Jr. (guitar); Earl Klugh (acoustic guitar); George Duke (piano, Fender Rhodes piano, synthesizer); Larry Kimpel (bass instrument); Lil’ John Roberts, Michael White (drums). Recording information: Rue De Harp, Santa Clarita, CA; Glenwood Place, Burbank, CA; Le Gonk’s West, Los Angeles, CA.

By: Tom Milson

Richard Elliot "Ricochet" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:10:20 +0000

Not sure what’s happening with me on this one, but it seems like the more I listen to it, the better Ricochet gets. Ricochet put simply is one of Richard Elliot’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 Ricochet. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Ricochet is a pleasantly varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly outstanding artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are his own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here.

The nice thing 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.

Overall Ricochet is a solid release. Quite possibly Richard Elliot’s best to date. Really spectacular from beginning to end. If you’re even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you’ll enjoy this album.

Ricochet Release Notes:

Richard Elliot originally released Ricochet on Apr 29, 2003 on the GRP record label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Corner Pocket

2. Ricochet

3. Rendezvous

4. Sweet Memories

5. So Good

6. Seven Sacred Pools

7. Slam

8. You Make Me Feel Brand New

9. Sake For Two 10. Sly

Personnel: Richard Elliot (tenor saxophone); Phillip Jackson (vocals); Brandon Fields (saxophone); Lee Thornburg (trumpet); Nick Lane (trombone); Jeff Lorber, Nelson Jackson, Rex Rideout, Ron Reinhardt (keyboards); Robbie Nevil, Tony Maiden, Dwighht Sills (guitar); Ronnie Garrett (bass); Michael White, Lil’ John Roberts, Dave Reinhardt (drums); Luis Conte, Lenny Castro (percussion). Producers include: Steven Dubin, Richard Elliot, Jeff Lorber, Rex Rideout, Ronnie Garrett.

By: Tom Milson

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

admin2 — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:43:18 +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

Acoustic Alchemy "American-English" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 05:09:19 +0000

Smooth Jazz super group, and British instrumental ensemble Acoustic Alchemy celebrates over twenty years of smooth jazz perfection with the release of their latest CD entitled American/English. A CD that does not disappoint.

I must admit I wasn’t really expecting much from American/English but must admit I was pleasantly surprised.

The CD begins with the smooth and laid back track The Crossing, then becomes more adventurous with the remaining 10 tracks.

The groups soul influences can be heard on track 5, The Detroit Shuffle, but this CD is clearly all about the strings and groove.

It appears with Greg Carmichael and Miles Gilderdale at the helm, like fine wine Acoustic Alchemy continues to improve with age. Producing their trade mark naturally smooth sound throughout the CD these guys are still at the top of their game.

I’m of the opinion that American/English is certainly Acoustic Alchemy’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 smooth jazz fan can appreciate and enjoy the very nice mix of smooth and funky tracks.

The standout tunes and SmoothJazz247.com favorites on American/English are The Crossing [track 1], The Detroit Shuffle [track 5], and She Speaks American English [track 7]. My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 9, The 14 Carrot Cafe. Very nice!

Release Notes:

Acoustic Alchemy originally released American/English on March 29, 2005 on the Higher Octave record label.

CD track list follows:

1. The Crossing

2. Say Yeah

3. So Kylie

4. Trinity

5. The Detroit Shuffle

6. Cherry Hill

7. She Speaks American English

8. Lilac Lane

9. The 14 Carrot Cafe

10. Get Up (Levantar Y Bailar)

11. The Moon And The Sun

By: Tom Milson

Russ Freeman "From The Redwoods To The Rockies" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 22:55:29 +0000

Not sure what’s happening with me on this one, but it seems like the more I listen to it, the better From The Redwoods To The Rockies gets. From The Redwoods To The Rockies simply put is one of Russ Freeman’s best CDs to date.

The CD kicks off with a great track, Riders Of The Ancient Winds, that I suspect will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It really is a very nice track.

From The Redwoods To The Rockies has a pleasantly varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly superb artist.

Russ Freeman possesses the characteristic of being able to bowl you over with his talent alone. The kind of artist I really enjoy listening to.

If you’re even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you’ll enjoy this CD. Overall From The Redwoods To The Rockies is an outstanding 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 7, Fallen Heroes. This is a great track!

From The Redwoods To The Rockies Release Notes:

Russ Freeman originally released From The Redwoods To The Rockies on Sep 15, 1998 on the Windham Hill Jazz label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Riders Of The Ancient Winds

2. The Maiden And The Warrior

3. From The Redwoods To The Rockies

4. Samba Del Luna

5. Seattle Child

6. Tribal Runner

7. Fallen Heroes

8. Sweetwater

9. Change Of Seasons

10. From The Redwoods To The Rockies – (acoustic reprise)

Personnel: Russ Freeman, Craig Chaquico (acoustic & electric guitars); Paul Taylor (soprano saxophone); David Benoit (piano); Ozzie Ahlers, Bill Heller (keyboards). Engineers include: Nick Sodano, Russ Freeman, Craig Chaquico. Principally recorded at Cheyenne Mountain Ranch Studios, Cheyenne, Colorado from April to June 1998.

By: Tom Milson

Norman Brown "West Coast Coolin" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 01:53:11 +0000

The exceptionally talented Smooth Jazz Artist Norman Brown has released his third and latest CD on the Warner Bros. recording label entitled West Coast Coolin’. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Norman Brown fans, and smooth jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one.

With the release of West Coast Coolin’ Brown’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.

West Coast Coolin’ is what smooth jazz is all about. One of those rare CD’s on which every track is great making it easy to listen to from beginning to end.

The CD offers a buffet of smooth melodic tunes. Kicking off with I Might, a song that features an outstanding vocal contribution from the very soulful Carol Riddick that will definitely be heard on smooth jazz radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so.

From there Brown proceeds to display why he is considered one the greatest smooth jazz guitarists of our time as he mixes his signature groove throughout the CD. At times very audibly showing the influence George Benson has had on his playing.

Overall West Coast Coolin’ is an outstanding release. What I call, must have music. I give it two thumbs up. Even the casual smooth jazz fan will appreciate and enjoy Browns very nice smooth style.

The standout tunes and SmoothJazz247.com favorites on West Coast Coolin’ are I Might [track 1], the title track West Coast Coolin’ [track 3], and I’m Comin’ Over [track 5]. My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 8, Let’s Play. Very nice!

Release Notes:

Norman Brown originally released West Coast Coolin’ on September 21, 2004 on the Warner Bros. record label.

CD track list follows:

1. I Might (featuring Carol Riddick)

2. Up ‘N’ At ‘Em

3. West Coast Coolin’

4. Missin’ You

5. I’m Comin’ Over

6. What’s Goin’ On

7. Let’s Play

8. Right Now

9. Angel

10. Remember The Time

By: Tom Milson

Keiko Matsui Piano Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 01:48:52 +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

Nestor Torres "Sin Palabras (Without Words)" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

admin2 — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 06:22:47 +0000

Sin Palabras (Without Words) is the latest release from Smooth Jazz Superstar Nestor Torres, 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.

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.

If you’re a Nestor Torres 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 Torres, or even Smooth Jazz to know is good. This is just good music. Period.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, Contigo Apprendi. This is a great track!

Sin Palabras (Without Words) Release Notes:

Nestor Torres originally released Sin Palabras (Without Words) on Mar 23, 2004 on the Heads Up Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Sin Palabras

2. Labios Dulzes

3. Regalame La Silla Donde Te Espere

4. Pura Brisa

5. Maybe Tonight

6. Contigo Apprendi

7. Gypsy Dancer

8. Lluvias De Cristal

9. Stop Staring

10. Piper Dance

11. No Worries

Personnel include: Nestor Torres (flute); Jimmy Haslip (vocals, bass instrument); Carlos Pennisi (guitar, keyboards, programming); James Lloyd (piano, keyboards, programming); Richard Bravo (percussion). Recording information: 2004.

By: Tom Milson