Keyboardist/producer Alan Hewitt (who has one of the coolest L.A. looks in the biz, by the way) is regarded as the “Platinum Producer to the Stars,” and rightly so, considering his extensive and impressive studio work with so many of the “A” list in showbiz (movies, TV, music).  His previous releases include a 1996 effort called Native Heart, Noche de Pasion in 2004, and Metropolis in 2006. I came on board as a believer with the last two, having never heard the ‘96 release, and he has been on my radar ever since.  Now signed with NuGroove Records, this keys master will surely maintain his oh-so-pleasant grip on jazzers’ aural senses with his latest project, Retroactive, scheduled for release on Jan. 19.

With musical comrades Paul Jackson, Jr., Steve Oliver, Greg Adams, and Steve Madaio lending a helping hand with appearances on this release, Hewitt again proves to be quite the musical architect as he builds a formidable repertoire of funky tracks and the sweet and mellow, all done with the smart nuances you’d expect from one so seasoned in the art of smooth jazz.
   
“Shaft” kicks off the project with that familiar wah pedal, strings, and dramatic feel and drive, but  Hewitt further enhances it all with the presence of his funky keys which have a honky tonk feel and envelope the piece in that whole mystique of the Shaft era.

The mid-tempo “All For You” follows with that kicked-back yet funky Hewitt style, full of brightness and melody. That slick, funky glide continues with the title track. The nice hook in the more laid-back track 4, “Nassau Blue,” is placed just right, and the clever cover of Sly Stone’s “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” though a bit toned-back from the original, certainly carries enough pop to get my nod, especially with the tight backing vocals of Shea Chambers. 

Picking it up to that upbeat dance floor quality, “In the Works” just continues to keep the vibe comfy, and Hewitt’s keys become even more pronounced.  Speaking of upbeat and pronounced, just take a moment with track 9’s “Big Bang.” I’ll just say here in advance: See what I mean?

So it goes throughout this top-shelf effort by one of the most in touch artists in the smooth jazz business.  The Noche de Pasion is one long and exciting night (and day) in the musical life of Alan Hewitt, indeed, and, as Retroactive will affirm, we are fortunate to be part of that life. --  Ronald Jackson