Dec. 8, 2011

This very interesting project from MISZ aka The Groove Producer is just that: Very interesting. The artist’s name and the title of this release are certainly a mouthful, and the project is also a bit unique in its “packaging” of tunes. The release, (Lovin’ What I Do (Musical Perspectives), has a great deal of really good contemporary jazz, some hints of R&B here and there, a taste of gospel, and some fusion elements.  You may ask:  So, what’s so unique about that? Good question. Simple answer: Its bold move to even incorporate a couple of country tunes in the bluesy vein often used by veteran rockers like Poco and Eagles.  Pretty big pot of diversity, I’d say.

Drawing on influences from personally being acquainted with the likes of Patrice Rushen, Fourplay members Bob James and Harvey Mason and former member Lee Ritenour, Ernie Watts, and Billy Cobham, you’re really treated to some distinct ear pleasers here.

The opening track, “Daddy Keys,” is a tribute to keys vet and original Fourplay member Bob James. It’s a smooth, mid-tempo groove with a lot of the melodic style and grace of James. To undertake such an effort exhibits confidence, and, listening, you can hear that it’s well-earned.

That tune is followed by a tune that’s an obvious tribute to Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton, the two former Fourplay guitarists. “The Larry LeeRit Strut” shows that the impact and influence of the Fourplay alumni was not only felt by the group and its fans but by the likes of MISZ whose guitarist, Michael Powers, does a superb job of capturing that iconic mood.

Trumpeter Jay Thomas certainly doesn’t flub his opportunity in the spotlight as he bops along in a dance-friendly jazzy tribute to the one and only Miles Davis on “I’d Go Miles For You” (clever title, right?). Thomas also displays big-time competence on tracks like the romantic adventure entitled “Next to You.”

Heating it all up to a boiling point would be “Rush 2 It,” a major fever inducer. While it’s written “For Billy P. and Chester T,” you can’t deny the snappy Patrice Rushen-like vibe.

Just when you think you have this CD figured out, along comes a pair of bluesy/country-flavored cuts, “May I Have This Dance For A Lifetime?” with its Hank Williams-like (“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”) melancholy pitch, and “Wrapped In Your Arms.” Even those who have no country leanings whatsoever just might find a certain beauty and sweetness to these two tracks.

Additionally, gospel makes a beautiful and very rousing entrance on track 11 with “(It’s Alright) Jesus Will Work It Out.”

Overall, Lovin’ What I Do (Musical Perspectives) delivers on its self-proclaimed description of being different. It’s a clever, bold look at adding new styles to the world of contemporary jazz. Material worthy of a good, long listen. – Ronald Jackson

This CD is not yet listed with Amazon. However, you can listen to samples and purchase it at CDbaby.com.