Dec. 28, 2011

With a career in music spanning almost six decades (nope, that’s not a typo), singer/drummer/ producer/writer Poppa Steve Mutimer certainly appears to know what gets the heads boppin’, the feet stompin,’ and the fingers snappin’ as he demonstrates on his latest smooth jazz release appropriately titled Sweet. The grooves are silky, charismatic, and fluid—not to mention enticingly melodic.

Having started out in rock in the 50s, Poppa Steve crossed over to the land of contemporary jazz about 7 years ago. He brings with him an impressive resumé that includes musical scores, jingles, and working with some of the most notable TV and sports celebs such as Kevin Costner, Dick Butkus, and Kellen Winslow. He states that, while he has trouble categorizing his music — which can be seen as a fusion of rock, pop, blues, and R&B– listeners have dubbed it as Rockin’ Jazz. Pretty appropriate, I think.

Going the whole spectrum with respect to sound production (live tracks with actual bodies in the studio, computer-generated fills, and musician-created sound loops), Poppa Steve has found a nice little niche in which to get quite comfortable. The music is undeniably appealing and fulfilling. It has enough sophistication to proudly stand among other jazz compositions and be termed just that: Jazz—not some weak hybrid that leans more in the direction of some other genre that just doesn’t mesh well. While the music is itself a hybrid of sounds, the overwhelming theme is just good contemporary jazz, and I like that…a lot. Good, crisp sax work, the draw of the Hammond B3, pulsating rhythms, nicely placed trumpet runs, and just providing those “feel-good” vibes.

There are several tracks that catch one’s ear, including the lead track, a mellow but strong and melodic piece called “Whisper It In My Ear,” that does a great job of setting the “table.” The album continues to delight with the R&Bish, Barry White-like “Feels Right Tonight” that includes sexy interchanging trumpet, sax, and guitar leads. The cool, breezy “XOXOXO,” and the funky finale, “Lovin’ Good Times.” are also excellent examples of the veteran’s artistry.

This pleasant and delightfully catchy arrangement of tunes is a safe bet to satisfy. Sweet is sweet. – Ronald Jackson