Hulon | First Impressions

Hulon | First Impressions
by Terrill Hanna

It didn’t take took too long for saxophone artist Hulon to make a firm decision to release “First Impressions” in a state or period where jazz music is being challenged, more so the term ‘smooth jazz’, in the music industry. And he should not worry so much about the tag or term being associated to his music. This release carried a great range of contemporary jazz sounds, orchestrated with a wellness of peace, a rift of soul & a channel of fluid deliveries coming from Hulon and a solid support of his studio musicians. In a nutshell, “First Impressions” just may be the beginning to a healthy career for Hulon as he addresses his unique style of the tenor sax for everyone to hear.

Personnel: Dave Hooper (Drums), Melvin Davis (Bass), Allen Hinds (Guitar), Jeff Kashiwa (Keys & Soprano Sax), Dave Kochanski (Rhodes), & Bill Heller (Rhodes).

Track Listing:

– The Cisco Kid
– Sax On The Beach
– Cool Blue
– Sweet Spot
– So Naturally
– Follow Me
– Dr. Goodfoot
– Sax Machine
– No More Goodbyes
– Bonus Track (Interview)

The album begins with a taste or flashback to a soulful classic centerpiece, “The Cisco Kid.” With all regards to the cover of the track, I felt it should have been a little bit more funkier, although Hulon’s sax play still remained radiant for the rendition. “Sax On The Beach” was very soft, easy listening. The coolness & breeze surrounding the track, “Cool Blue” eases into the same mode the last track left me with – very settled, soothing, relaxing type of composition.

In an instant, the upbeat, upper paced flow of “Sweet Spot” ignites the funky pace of music I was eagerly anticipating on the project. Another known sax player, Jeff Kashiwa, lent a helping hand on the keys. “So Naturally” did the same thing as the previous song, but it cascaded into a more mellower, mid-tempo’d groove. As did “Follow Me” & “No More Goodbyes.”

In looking for the picker-uppers, the faster, more groove oriented cuts, the songs, “Dr. Goodfoot” & “Sax Machine” found its way unto that list. With a pretty cool interview to end the rotation of the disc.

The CD, in my opinion, is a very laid back, easy listening experience shared to fans who appreciate that type of musical setting. Considering the skills Hulon & his team had to offer & display, I would share the recommendation to only those who dig & feel music with a lot of ambient, mood chill, coastal appealing sounds of contemporary jazz. Given the appropriate title of the CD, “First Impressions”…I hope when Hulon comes back for round 2, or give us another impression, that he will take it up a notch and jam with a little bit more edgier, funkier, gritty songs. This one was a nice taste of what Hulon has to offer. But I feel & believe there’s more in store from him – if given the chance.

Terrill Hanna
The Urban Music Scene