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
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
Perfect Moment is the latest release from Smooth Jazz Artist Peter White, and I can only think of one word to describe it… AWESOME!
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.
Perfect Moment 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, 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 genre you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.
If you’re even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you’ll enjoy this CD. Overall Perfect Moment is an outstanding release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.
While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2, Kinda Sweet, track 5, Don’t Want To Be A Foo, track 9, The View From Your Window
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 3, Midnight In Manhattan. Wow!
Perfect Moment Release Notes:
Peter White originally released Perfect Moment on Oct 20, 1998 on the Columbia label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. San Diego
2. Kinda Sweet
3. Midnight In Manhattan
4. Perfect Moment
5. Don’t Want To Be A Fool
6. Autumn Day
7. My Prayer
8. Another Rainy Day
9. The View From Your Window
10. Windy City
Personnel : Peter White (acoustic guitar, keyboards); Greg Vail (soprano saxophone); Grover Washington, Jr., Gerald Albright (tenor saxophone); Rick Braun (trumpet); Brian Culbertson, Greg Karukas (keyboards, synthesizer, drum programming); Mike Egizi (keyboards, drum programming); Tim Heintz (keyboards); Mike Sims (electric guitar); Alex Al, Larry Kimpel, John Menzano (bass); Lil’ John Roberts (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion); Steven Dubin, Paul Brown (drum programming). Producers: Steven Dubin, Paul Brown, Peter White. Engineers include: Dave Rideau, Paul Brown, Peter White.
By: Clyde Lee Dennis