NILS LANDGREN FUNK UNIT – FUNK FOR LIFE CD £15.95
Trombonist Landgren mixes Fusion with Funk as cuts like 'Funk For Life', the heavier 'Finish What You Started' and the Crusaders tinged 'Kenya Kane' show'. On the mellow tip the subtle undulating groove of 'Suguta Road' flows beautifully. Head nodding grooves like 'Kibera' and 'Matutu' are pleasing Jazz Funk tunes with a slight African tinge. 'Dry slows things down to mid-tempo. This is a consistent selection.
JAARED – MANHATTAN NIGHTS CD £16.95
If gentle funky instrumental sax led Smooth Jazz is your thing, this album will fit the bill. ‘Manhattan Nights’ and ‘If You Know What I Mean’ have that smooth groove vibe, whilst ‘D’Groovealivcious’ and the catchy ‘Coolsville’ are fine tracks and try the slowish ‘That’s What I Said’ and ‘the lilting ‘Dancing With You’. Supporting cast includes Freddie Fox (guitar) and Michael White (drums) plus guest appearances from Cindy Bradley, Jay Soto, Greg Adams and U-Nam.
CHRIS STANDRING – BLUE BOLERO CD £15.95
This interesting album is something of a departure for Chris Standring being (his words) ‘extremely cinematic’ and representing the musical journey he took. The guitar playing is exquisite and with the backing of an orchestra the sound is full. Tracks like ‘Blue Bolero’, ‘March Of The Bowler Hats’ and ‘Bossa Blue’ are fine jazzy grooves – less smooth more jazzy.
KEN NAVARRO – DREAMING OF TRAINS CD £15.95
Mellow acoustic guitar led Smooth Jazz that will appeal to lovers of instrumental grooves that have a laid-back summer feel. ‘True Stories’, ‘Everything Being Is Dancing’ and ‘The Buzz’. The quality of Navarro’s playing is outstanding.
KIRK WHALUM – GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JAZZ VOLUME 3 CD £16.95
Unusually for Kirk Whalum this double album has more of a straight Jazz feel. Recorded live, the band includes George Duke and Doc Powell. John Stoddart and Lalah Hathaway guest on vocals on the soulful ‘Make Me A Believer’.
to hear tracks -
NILS LANDGREN FUNK UNIT – FUNK FOR LIFE CD £15.95
JAARED – MANHATTAN NIGHTS CD £16.95
CHRIS STANDRING – BLUE BOLERO CD £15.95
KEN NAVARRO – DREAMING OF TRAINS CD £15.95
KIRK WHALUM – GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JAZZ VOLUME 3 CD £16.95