Former NBA All Star baller, Wayman Tisdale has done it again with this, his latest smooth jazz CD release Hang Time.
“It” being, he has turned out yet another funk drenched smooth jazz CD in this his fifth offering.
Showing once again that he is at the top of his game, and in top form. Thumping out smooth jazz tracks one right after the other.
While clearly blazing his own path as an outstanding bassist, the comparisons to the legendary bass guitar playing Stanley Clarke are inescapable. It’s easy to see that Clarke certainly had some measure of influence on Tisdale.
The self taught Tisdale has elevated himself to that level of artist whom I eagerly anticipate any new project from. Clearly growing with each release as a musician and getting better with each outing. Now establishing himself as one of the top bass guitar players in any music category.
If you’ve not yet been introduced to Wayman Tisdale, the musician, this would be a great CD for you to get acquainted with him through.
On Hang Time, as is the case with each of his previous releases, Tisdale has included an impressive interpretation of an old gospel tune Glory Glory. This is an indication of his musical roots which lie in gospel music.
His new tracks are impressive but the one that will get your full attention is an outstanding version of a top R & B tune from the 70’s, Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now.
From the opening track, Ready To Hang, right through the very last he brilliantly mixes his trademark funky grooves with just the right blend of mellow.
Featured on track 7, Better Days is smooth jazz legend and label Co-Owner Dave Koz. Also lending a hand on several tracks on the CD are smooth jazz notables Jeff Lorber playing keyboards, and James Lloyd from the group Pieces of a Dream.
Overall I’d say Wayman Tisdale scores big with Hang Time. Continuing his rise as a top bass guitarist. This is probably his best effort so far and is most definitely a worthy addition to any smooth jazz collection.
The standout tunes are Ready To Hang [track 1], Creative Juices [track 2], and Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now [track 4]. My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 7, Better Days. Very nice!
Release Notes:
This CD was originally released July 13, 2004 on the Rendezvous Entertainment label.
CD track list follows:
1. Ready To Hang
2. Creative Juices
3. Cruisin’
4. Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now
5. My World
6. Hang Time
7. Better Days
8. Everything In You
9. Even When
10. The Time Is Here
11. Off Into It
12. Glory Glory
By: Tom Milson
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
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