I can describe the latest release from Jazz sensation Jim Brinkman 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 is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it’s own.
Jazz music fans will recognize some of the well known guests that have been assembled to play along with Brinkman on several of the tracks. Artists like Dann Huff and Dan Shea just to name a couple.
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 Jim Brinkman is clearly in top form. So much so that if you’re even mildly into Jazz music you’ll enjoy this CD.
While the entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 3 – Sound Of Your Voice, track 6 – You Never Know, and track 13 – Hero’s Dream.
My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Dream Come True. Great track!
Picture This Release Notes:
Jim Brinkman originally released Picture This on January 28, 1997 on the Windham Hill Records label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Dream Come True
2. Sun, Moon & Stars
3. Sound Of Your Voice
4. Picture This
5. Edgewater
6. You Never Know
7. Coming Home
8. Frere Jacques
9. Secret Love
10. First Steps
11. Valentine
12. Sweet Dreams
13. Hero’s Dream
Personnel includes: Jim Brickman (piano); Martina McBride (vocals); Dan Huff (guitar); Martin Tillman (cello); The Nashville String Machine (strings); Boney James (soprano saxophone); Dan Shea (synthesizer, programming); Mike Brignardello (bass).
Producers: David Pringle, Jim Brickman, Dan Shea.
Engineers include: Eddie King, Leslie Mona-Mathus, Dan Shea.
Principally recorded at Megatrax Studios, North Hollywood, California from July to August 1996; The Hit Factory, New York, New York from May to June 1996; WallyWorld, San Rafael, California between August and October 1996.
By: Clyde Lee Dennis
Paul Hardcastle, the richly talented Smooth Jazz artist has released his latest CD titled Hardcastle 4 and Wow! It’s really a good one.
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 Hardcastle 4. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
Hardcastle 4 has a pleasantly varied, mix of 13 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly talented artist.
Paul Hardcastle is one of those musicians that it’s really a treat to be able to listen to.
Overall Hardcastle 4 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 Smooth Jazz fan. Really sensational from beginning to end.
While this entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 2, Freefall, track 3, Smooth Jazz Is Bumpin, track 4, Keeping It Real.
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 9, Where Are You Now. Outstanding!
Hardcastle 4 Release Notes:
Paul Hardcastle originally released Hardcastle 4 on Jul 12, 2005 on the Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Serene
2. Freefall
3. Smooth Jazz Is Bumpin
4. Keeping It Real
5. Moments In Time
6. Was It Love
7. Midnight Moon
8. Eastern Winds
9. Where Are You Now
10. Straight Ahead
11. Time To Reflect
12. Journey Of The Lost Tribes
13. Untitled – (hidden track)
Personnel: Paul Hardcastle (keyboards, synthesizer, programming); Maxine Hardcastle (vocals); Adam Drake (guitar); Snake Davis, Scott Brooker (saxophone).
By: Clyde Lee Dennis