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
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
The exceptionally talented Jazz artist Jackie McLean has released him CD entitled Action. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Jackie McLean fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Action Jackie McLean’s artistic excellence is on full display as McLean has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.
Jackie McLean has been a heavy hitter in the Jazz genre for quite some time now and Action is an excellent illustration as to why.
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.
The nice thing 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.
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.
Overall Action is outstanding 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 Jazz fan. Really spectacular from beginning to end.
While the entire album is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 – Plight, track 4 – I Hear A Rhapsody, and track 5 – Hootnan
My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Action. Good stuff!
Action Release Notes:
Jackie McLean originally released Action on June 29, 2004 on the Blue Note Records label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Action
2. Plight
3. Wrong Handle
4. I Hear A Rhapsody
5. Hootnan
Personnel: Jackie McLean (alto saxophone); Charles Tolliver (trumpet); Bobby Hutcherson (vibraphone); Cecil McBee (bass instrument); Billy Higgins (drums). Recording information: Van Gelder Studios, Englewood, NJ (09/16/1964).
By: Tom Milson