“The Groove” is a great way to open an album that seems dedicated to just that: The Groove, as in smooth jazz groove.  New kids on the block ZOÉ bring an abundance of freshness and originality with this debut release, Let’s Fly, and that gets this writer going every time. With only one track not written by the band, they captured my attention immediately. They then proceeded to roll through a set of tracks laden with a crisp and melodic flavor so very evident from the beginning that you simply must listen, and listen good.

The very conversational sax offered on each track by Reggie Harris is the centerpiece here, but each instrument does its thing to keep the whole product in balance and directionally correct.  Tunes like the casually smooth and tight title cut, written by bassist H. Maurice Fonville, and spiced up with cool riffs from guitarist Ronald Segers, as well as Harris’ sax, set the table handsomely for this banquet of sound.  Even the one cover, “Ordinary People,” which is sure to bring a smile to John Legend’s lips with its bright and jazzy interpretation, carries the class and charisma this album seems to sport confidently.  Segers' clean and clear guitar work is magnificent, yet you can feel its modesty and humility.

Track 5 puts on a spiritual face as it casts a look heavenward in homage to God as the answer.  The mid-tempo tune is both stirring and motivational in whatever way motivates you.  This pleasant piece is followed by a latin-influenced ditty that simply says “Dance. Keep dancing.”  Segers' guitar is again afire with emotion here.  In fact, your mind’s eye can clearly see the entire band just dancing it out.

It now becomes time to tone it down a bit with a soothing and sweet offering at track 7 entitled “Reflections.”  Harris’ sax, Segers’ guitar, and a whole lot of soul from the others spells seduction quite nicely.  Then, the up-tempo jazzy track 8, “Angels Dancing” has traces of latin, Caribbean, pop, and just a genuine mix of good vibes going on to give it all the charm of a really diverse creation.  The party closes with a smart, popping, and happy piece called “Drive My Car.”  Hot.

Nice hooks, delightful melodies, satisfying phrasings, it’s all here. ZOÉ’s grasp and grip on the beauty of original musical self-expression with the wonderful genre of smooth jazz (and “friends”) as the backdrop are both exciting and welcome. -- Ronald Jackson