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Teetering, Towering Stacks Of New Tuneage
We chime in a brand-new year with just shy
of a dozen intriguing new tracks Going For Adds next Monday. Crowning
our alphabetical list is the stellar,
high-energy, musically exhilarating title track from L.A.-based session guitarist
David Boswell's third project, "I Like That" (My
Quiet Moon). This former protege of Pat Metheny, Jack DeJohnette and
Dave Holland is supported impressively by no less than the Yellowjackets'
blazing bassist, Jimmy Haslip; saxman Nelson Rangell; drummer M.B.
Gordy; and new age piano meister John Boswell ... Guitarist Eric
Essix returns with his 13th and finest work to date: "Birmingham" (Edclectic/Essential).
There's a marvelous authenticity to Essix's compositions throughout,
particularly on the lead track, "Shuttlesworth Drive." His
nuanced technique is the very embodiment of "smooth" ...
Check out emerging songwriter/producer/keyboardist Bobby "Funkee
Boy" Tammaro's surprising mid-tempo debut single, "Body
Music" (Funkee Boy) -- a sleeper ... I believe it's common knowledge
that I'm an avid longtime stalker -- er, I mean devotee -- of Incognito
and leader Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunik, so I trust everyone
will understand why I'm over the moon for Francis Hylton's fabulous
remix of "I Remember a Time" (Heads Up) from the CD "Tales
From the Beach," a project that sent Bluey on a vision quest to
the world's most beautiful beaches, poor guy. Talk about captivating!
I'd add this tune in a heartbeart, for if I could do anything as well
as this fabulous track's hook, production, lyrics and lead vocal sound,
I would be the Empress and Bluey would be my minion. Sadly....
Granted,
1966 was an indelible moment on the cusp of change in American history,
but just as scads of core smooth jazz P1s, I remember the first time
I heard the Mamas & the Papas' 1966 debut smash, "California
Dreamin'," like
it was yesterday. I always approach covers of my all-time favorite
songs with trepidation, but songstress Lori Jenaire's
swingin', sultry version (Nouveau Bleu) delivers big-time, down to
a creative cop of the original flute solo. Recommended ... Speaking
of change, as everyone is, what about guitarist Matt Marshak's
brilliant homage to Martin Luther King Jr., "Brotherhood" (Nuance)?
This astonishing song is a musical and emotional experience that you
feel as much as hear; a hit, too. It has simply everything going for
it: amazing songwriting, fantastic playing and a great vibe -- the
works. Furthermore, every cent of the proceeds will benefit the estate
of the man PBS and PRI host Tavis Smiley routinely describes as "the
greatest figure in American history," Brother Martin. I recommend "Brotherhood" for
an out-of-the-box Add.
While smooth jazz has never embraced even such
violinists as Jean-Luc Ponty, don't overlook Miles Stiebel's
rollicking cover of "Sir Duke" (MSE). I suspect you could
be pleasantly surprised, as the track's as tight as a clenched fist
... Speaking of surprises, check out saxophonist Reggie Coddington's
upbeat "Simple Days" (Hitshack), a little gem tucked away
among inspirational songs on the CD of the same name ... Listen to
the return of Vibes Alive feat. Jeff Lorber ("His
Royal Badness") and an all-star cast, including Luis Conte, Vinnie
Colaiuta, Jimmy Johnson, Gary Meek on sax, Bob Summers and Putter Smith
-- whew! The vibe-y and aptly named "After Hours" (Swingding)
merits full consideration ... And last, but not least, Berklee professor
of music Walter Beasley serves up another course of
his signature sensual sax sound -- another wonderful offering, "Steady
as She Goes" (Heads Up) -- and another hit. So much great music,
so little time.
I wish you and yours the happiest, healthiest of new
years; happy listening, too. Please reach out to me anytime at 323-954-3419
or carcher@radioandrecords.com.
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