SMOOTH JAZZ |
 PRICK BRAUN/ RICHARD ELLIOTT RnR CD £14.95
Two of Smooth Jazz finest horn men combine to bring an album that is at the funkier end of the style. Exquisite grooves like 'RnR', 'Curve Ball', the Grover-ish 'Da Jr Funk' and 'Better Times' hark back to the genre's heyday in the early 2000's. 'Sao Paulo', 'Down And Dirty' and 'Two Heart Tango' add a variety and spice. The playing is superb. If you enjoyed Richard's 'Chill Factor' or Rick's collaboration with Boney James: 'Shake It Up', then this one is for you. Contender for Smooth Jazz album of 2007.
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 PAUL TAYLOR LADIES CHOICE CD £14.95
Excellent Smooth Jazz from the accomplished sax player, the set combines quality mid-tempo instrumentals with outstanding vocal cuts. Of the latter check, Latoya London on the soothing 'I Want To Be Loved'. Regina Belle excels on the smooth Soul of 'How Did You Know' and the midtempo groover 'Open Your Eyes. Lauren Evans graces the ballad 'A Love Of My Own', whilst Terry Dexter gives a more contemporary vocal on 'Long Distance Relationship'. The stepping 'Here We Go', the subtle 'Overdrive' and the understated Jazz Funk of 'Streamline' give Taylor the chance to solo in soulful fashion. Best Smooth Jazz album this month.
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 NORMAN BROWN STAY WITH ME CD £14.95
Superb Smooth Jazz album full of gently funky smooth grooves like 'Soul Dance', 'Pop's Cool Groove', 'Let's Take A Ride' and 'It Ain't Over BWB' that features Kirk Whalum and Rick Braun. On the vocal side Brian McKnight adds a typical vocal performance to 'Stay With Me' and don't overlook the warm 'You Keep Me Lifting Me Higher'. But this set is high quality from start to finish.
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 JEFF LORBER HE HAD A HAT
The best Jeff Lorber album in ages, 'Hat' touches Fusion, Soul, Smooth Jazz and straight ahead along the way. Eric Benet adds his vocal talents to the Bill Withers' classic 'Grandma Hands'. Fusion tracks like 'Hudson', 'Interpretations' and the title song are the standouts, but check also the straighter cuts like 'Be Bop' and 'All Most Blues'. A top quality and varied set that will have broad appeal.
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 KIRK WHALUM ROUNDTRIP CD £14.95
Kirk's first secular album for a few years, is an absolute Smooth Jazz treat. His warm tenor sax swoons soulfully over a selection of smooth grooves like 'Courtney', the slower 'Desperately' and the Grover like 'The Wave'. Earl Klugh adds his delicate acoustic guitar to 'Ruby Ruby Ruby'. The 80's style Jazz Funk of 'Big Ol Shoes' adds an edgier quality, whilst Gerald Albright and Kirk duet perfectly on the wonderful 'Back In The Day'. Shanice adds vocals to the ballad 'Inside' and check the spoken word of 'In A Whisper'. Superb.
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 JIMMY SOMMERS SUNSET COLLECTIVE CD £14.95
Superb album that veers more towards Fusion than Smooth Jazz, laced with some nice Soul cuts too. If you like Boney James then this set will appeal. 'Out of Nowhere' has that Boney/Grover feel, slowish sensual groove topped by fine sax playing. Rahsaan Patterson adds his distinctive vocals to the excellent dancer 'Let your Body Go', whilst Vikter Dupliax adds his typically languid touch to 'If I Knew'. Fans of the smooth groove will adore 'Happy Hour' featuring Paul Brown and 'Kickin It' featuring Brian Culbertson. The Bossa tinged 'Besame Mucho' simmers and adds a touch of Latin. Jimmy gets funky on 'House Party' and 'Vertical'. Ultra strong album that will appeal to a broad spectrum of listeners.
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 EVERETTE HARP MY INSPIRATION CD £14.95
This fine funky and smooth set from the sax maestro, sees a return to form and to his Jazz fusion roots., 'All Jazzed Up', 'Funky Palisades' and 'Juke Joint' provide a riff and groove laden backdrop to Harp's soulful and warm sax playing. Harp sounds uncannily like Grover and Wilton Felder on this predominantly instrumental album that oscillates between smooth Fusion and highly melodic songs such as 'Old School' and 'In Time'. Try also the accomplished cover of Dennis Edwards' 'Don't Look Any Further'. Heavyweight guests include George Duke and Jeff Lorber, whilst the rhythm section includes the exquisite bass playing of Alex Al. Highly recommended.
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 BRIAN SIMPSON ABOVE THE CLOUDS CD £14.95
Accomplished Smooth Jazz pianist returns with a groove led selection of tunes accompanied by the likes of Kirk Whalum, Chuck Loeb, Dave Koz, George Duke and the late Michael Brecker. Cuts such as 'Above The Clouds', 'From The Hip' and 'What Cha Gonna Do' fuse Simpson's relaxed playing with infectious beats and simple yet memorable melodies. 'One More Time', the lilting subtlety of 'The Last Kiss' and the mid-tempo 'Fiona's Song' add variety on this quality smooth instrumental set.
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 SPUR OF THE MOMENT URBAN RENEWAL CD £14.95
If you like your Smooth Jazz with smooth grooves, then this quality selection of tunes will deliver. The groover 'Steps To The Capital', the opener 'Food For the Dog' and the fine title song will get your head nodding to the mid-tempo grooves. It is however the vocal tracks like the mid-tempo riff laden 'Can we Get Together' and the infectious Rain Down On Me'. Try also the ballad 'Candle Light' and the gentle sawyer 'Just For You'. Ultra strong.
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 LES SABLER SWEET DRIVE CD £14.95
Nice relaxed guitar led Smooth Jazz with tracks like 'Sweet Rain' and 'Struttin' giving more than a nod towards 80's style Fusion. Try the funky 'Twenty-Two', and the chilled groove of 'Food Chain'. Nice covers of 'You've Got It Bad Girl' and a vocal take on Aretha's 'Daydreaming' featuring backing vocals from Rahsaan Patterson add familiar songs to the mix. Guests include Jeff Lorber, Eric Marienthal and Brian Bromberg. Nice Smooth Jazz album.
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 NAJEE RISING SUN CD £14.95
Saxman Najee's latest is a typically accomplished set that is high on melody. Check 'Brazilian Affair', the vocal floater 'Can't Wait Another Minute'. Najee ups the tempo on 'Come What May' and 'Smooth Sailing'; however it is the mellow groovers such as 'Still In Love' and 'Rising Sun' that hit the bullseye. Najee fans will approve.
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 DAVE SERENY TAKE THIS RIDE CD £14.95
Exceptional selection of Smooth Jazz grooves, whose appeal will extend beyond the genre's aficionados. Sereny is a talented guitarist in the Benson/ Norman Brown mould his playing is clean cut and highly melodic, but possesses an understated Funk. Check his version of Rick James' 'Give It to Me Baby', plus Fusion tinged instrumentals like 'Keep Goin'. Mid-tempo groovers like 'St Tropez' and 'Blueberry Groove' are springboards for the guitarist's virtuosity. Viktar Duplaix contributes 3 typically languid songs including the outstanding 'Take This Ride' featuring N'Dea Davenport and 'Lucy' with guest Bob James. 'Fly Away' is another gem on this fine set.
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 DWAYNE KERR – HIGHER CALLING CD £11.95
Featured flautist with Erykah Badu’s band, delivers his second album, which is a fine mix of Smooth Jazz and Fusion. Erykah add vocals to Kerr’s pleasing take of Bill Withers’ ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’. The mid-tempo shuffler ‘Daughters’ is fine slightly Latin tinged cut and is a vehicle for Dwayne’s solo prowess. The slower ‘Yeah’ and the uptempo ‘Being With You’ featuring Kirk Whalum are joyful smoothish grooves. The riff-laden ‘Keep It Right There’ and ‘Higher Calling’ are fine slowish grooves and Dwayne’s playing soothing and soulful throughout.
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 EUGE GROOVE BORN 2 GROOVE CD £14.95
Quality set from the talented sax player, Euge is joined by a 'live' studio (Gospel) band, that gives this album an organic feel, yet still recognisibly smooth. Ex Temptation, Ali Ollie Woodson guests on the classic 'I Love You MoreThan you'll ever Know'., whilst Jeffrey Osborne takes up the vocals on 'Baby If You Only Knew'. Groove hits tried and trusted smooth grooves on 'Movin On', 'Born 2 Groove' and 'Mr Groove'. Try also the mellower 'A Summer Nights Dream' and 'Café De Soul'. Strong album.
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BLUE NOTE...
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