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
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