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.
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,…
Jason Miles | 2 Grover With Love
by Terrill Hanna
This project should go out to the die-hard, ultra loving original contemporary jazz lovers of the 70’s & 80’s! Not to mention, the CD will take many of you back into your vinyl collections (especially the serious vinyl collectors) & pull out most of the CTI & Columbia labeled LP’s that floated both sides on your turntable.
When Eric Darius was a young buck, he took the jazz community by surprise with his release of “Night on the Town”. Critics’ raved; old and young jazz listeners gave him props. With his awesome talent and unjaded enthusiasm, he has become the undisputed darling of the genre.
Boney James | Christmas Present
Concord Records | 2007
By Terrill Hanna
The Return of Boney James!
Do you have “Funky Christmas”? If so, then you will already know the matter at heart as to when Boney brings the rhythm to the beat. His sax approach carries heavy R&B overtones & often highlight or ‘energizes’ a smooth jazz genre to the respect of contemporary jazz. His “Shine” album was reviewed here on T.U.M.S. & has done well on Billboards Contemporary Jazz chart. As for his “Christmas Present”.…
Stanley Clarke | “The Toys Of Men”.
By Ian Cooke
With the release of “Toys of Men” Stanley Clarke examines the folly of war on
his latest Heads Up International CD available October 16th. One of the most
innovative electric bass players of the past three decades, Clarke utilizes his
talents with this new CD to examine the folly of war.