THE SMOOTH JAZZ RIDE
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Alexander Zonjic -- Doin' the D
“In the classical world, the flute has a huge stature, but it has struggled in recent years to be considered as a solo jazz instrument on the same level as the saxophone
or guitar or piano.” So says jazz flutist Alexander Zonjic. Well, with his persistence and perseverance-- along with that of fellow flutists like Althea Rene and Nestor Torres-- the flute, as an enticing entity with its own personality and presence, is certainly on course to being anything but “lightweight.” This is quite evident with Zonjic’s latest effort, Doin’ the D, a reference, by the way, to a popular catchphrase in the Detroit area, where Zonjic has resided for the better part of 30 years. The phrase is said to mean spending an evening or a weekend checking out any of the various cultural attractions offered by the city’s rich musical history and cultural diversity. This recording captures the essence of that adventure. Read full reviewJune 12, 2009
Ray Gaskins – A Night In The Life
This is anoth
er installment from Ray Gaskins, a prolific saxophonist/keyboardist/vocalist who came to me totally unannounced before now. In a word, I’m impressed. The music is full-bodied, the soul is obvious, and the fact that vibist Roy Ayers was drawn to this talent’s side on this latest effort, A Night in the Life, is ample proof that the cat has earned the attention of the players in the business that, quite simply, are.
This CD comes with good choices of covers and is comfortably mellow, with blues, comely scatting, and hints of straight-ahead jazz intermixed in decent doses. There’s even some touching spiritual material (“I Want to Talk About God”) that’s truly moving and inspirational, done with that smooth jazz flair. The blues gets a visit from Gaskins with an original called “Down Home,” featuring some potent horn arrangements, especially a soul-wrenching solo demonstrating his navigational skills around the sax. Read full review
May 19, 2009
Richard Elliot -- Rock Steady
The questions have been asked of almost every exceptionally accomplished individual in 
whatever field they may be situated: “Where do you go from ‘up’?” “What do you do now?” In the case of mega-star saxophonist Richard Elliot, who has been a mainstay and a beacon for excellence in smooth jazz since I can recall, the answer is simply to produce more of the same satisfying quality. Rock Steady, on the Artistry Music label, is just that: Rock steady in its approach to the fervor, the steel resolve, the soulfulness, and the electric energy that is Richard Elliot. Read full review
Apr. 21, 2009
Jackiem Joyner -- Lil Man Soul
The title of
sax sensation Jackiem Joyner’s latest release, Lil Man Soul, suggests that the relatively new saxophonist has “graduated” or matured from his early musical infancy to what he represents here on this latest effort. That couldn’t be more correct, although, in my opinion, his growth began the moment he blew—no, caressed--the first note of his debut album, Babysoul. Here is an artist who is simply destined to be one of the finest in the business. The fact that the power horn duo, Richard Elliot and Rick Braun, heard and signed this young talent to their label practically as soon as he was visible—and the fact that fantastic and iconic keyboardist Keiko Matsui recruited this talent to tour with her as her chief saxman-- speak volumes about the capabilities of Joyner. This release just adds further testimony to those capabilities. Read full review
Apr. 21, 2009
De' Nate' -- Reminisce
I’ve listened to and reviewed a wide spectrum of pretty impressive artists and releases over the past few years, and I always marvel at the new and exceptional finds. Here is yet anothe
r. This is a truly atypical, exceptional, and superior collaboration with such a special inner touch and reach that it almost defies adequate description.
De’Nate’ is the magnificent brainchild of producer/artist Nate Harasim and standout vocalist Deborah Connors, at the recommendation of nuGroove Records president, David Chackler, who saw “something” potentially explosive in such a union. Boy, was he ever right! Read full review