Everette Harp | First Love By Randy Mahon On Everette’s 3rd Shanachie Records release, masterfully produced by jazz legend George Duke and his 8th studio disc overall, you’ll hear Everettes take of a new turn in musical direction – straight ahead jazz. Hence the CD’s title “First Love”. Having recorded …
Album Review: Freddie “Ready” Washington | In The Moment By Randy Mahon *Note from Terrill – Publisher of T.U.M.S. (We introduce another team player/reviewer from the T.U.M.S. camp – Mr. Randy Mahon. His background in the music industry is a major plus & we are more than happy to have …
Benny Reid | Escaping Shadows | Concord Jazz, 2009 [Reviewed]
By Rob Young
Perhaps seizing the moment cherishing love, life, and time given is “encouraging to someone as is oxygen to our soul,” … furthermore, having the opportunity to relish new and stimulating music by the multi-facet saxophonist Benny Reid and his compelling and creative sophomore release “Escaping Shadows” is surely icing on the cake.
Jessy J | True Love
by Terrill Hanna
The talented Jessy J comes back with another project, the 2nd from her discography from Peak Records in “True Love” – a spicy mix of Latin melodies, lush soft instrumentals & a slight touch of the hand from producer Paul Brown.
Criss Starr | Yours 4 Ever
by Terrill Hanna
Sometimes, all it takes is a few tracks on a EP to highlight a particular gift in music an artist has for themselves to offer is enough. In some cases, this formula is good enough. For others, it requires some more work in the studio to put out 10-12 tracks. For another set, 12-20 tracks. Some compositions with none to little minutes, the other half, minimum 3 minutes & more are needed. But it depends.
Najee | Mind Over Matter
by Peggy Oliver
Whether Najee‘s music is labeled as sophisticated R&B, smooth jazz, or slick pop, his saxophone’s melodic quality is fresh as the summer breeze, and he also knows when improvising is in the best interest of the song. His reputation in contemporary jazz circles still remains indisputable after all these years as being one of the innovators of the ‘rhythm and jazz’ movement; a decade after Bob James, Grover Washington, Jr., Stanley Clarke and others set the tone during the jazz fusion era of the seventies.
Ronny Smith | Just Groovin
by Terrill Hanna
Pacific Coast Jazz instrumentalist Ronny Smith is a consistent Guitar appreciation that seems to keep a pep in his step whenever it came time to groove. Which, I believe, came to thought when he named his new release, “Just Groovin“ to the world. A nice collection, 10 tracks, of savvy urban R&B layered, instrumentals that is guaranteed to keep all smooth guitar lovin’ fans happy. Some tracks do come off predictable, but others have its moment of gratitude towards Ronny’s ever appealing talent on the strings.
Jef Kearns | On The Level
By Terrill J. Hanna
What a unique, flute impresario! A special branded player chopped to the game of Urban Jazz, with enough physique to carry him through to possibly another outing after this one. I’m talking about flautist Jef Kearns & his breakthrough triumph “On The Level” – a 9 track set of smoldering hot grooves, at the slow or fast paces, & executed enough to keep you at the headphone booth – listening. This cat specializes, satisfying a stretch of great music comprised of some funky moments, relaxed, chilled flows & a splendid mix of duets from his arsenal of guest stars appearing on the project.
There’s something about going back to the years ’81 – 83′, where some of the funkiest funk & old school R&B music reigned supreme. Ah Man! Just take a good look at our ‘Back In the Day’ page for starters & chill for a moment while you are there. It’s a no-brainer when keyboardist James Lloyd & Drummer Curtis Harmon reflected on that period of greatness,…
Spyro Gyra | A Night Before Christmas
By Peggy Oliver
When Jay Beckenstein was asked how the name Spyro Gyra was birthed, he took the inspiration from a biology class called the spirogyra; also known as pond scum. Some persons might chuckle at such a choice. But no one could possibly laugh at their major musical impact especially for the smooth jazz movement, spanning a twenty-six disc resume.