Sunday, June 29, 2008

"Winds of Time" by Dr. David Klee (Jazz artist from Iowa)

"Winds of Time" is a new age smooth jazz album highlighted by the feel-good flute styling of Dr. David Klee, which at once reminds the listener of Herbie Mann's jazzy flute styles. Klee's musicianship is superior, and his arrangements are refreshingly pleasant. The album features a good mix of moods with touches of various voices and themes. As a whole, the songs present an upbeat feel while sending you off into a dream world. With the flute at the forefront, the instrumental variety from the backing band gives each song its own identity, each sounding vastly different from the next. Highlights include the opener, "Atlanta City Nights," a very upbeat track with a distinctive flute line that will liven up any room. The title track, "Winds of Time," opens with some dramatic organic sounds and works its way into a mystery-filled dreamscape. "Missing You So Much" features a nice piano progression and has a bit of an Asian feel to it. If you like new age jazz or beautiful flute-led lullabies, you will enjoy this one.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Dr. David KLee's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sitesa

Sunday, June 22, 2008

"At The End Of The Day" by Art Ruprecht (Jazz Artist from Missouri(MO))

"At The End Of The Day" by Art Ruprecht is an impressive guitar-driven contemporary jazz album brought to you by an accomplished guitarist. Art's style is a nice blend derived from several different genres. You'll notice right off the bat that the album is a bit on the funky side and there is also a Latin influence present throughout. Aside from being a great player, Art writes great arrangements. The songs are all well layered, have direction and all emit a pleasant feeling. The production quality is excellent and the songs are ready for airwaves. Highlights include the opener "Big Talker," which funks it up right out of the gates with a quirky arrangement and a big beat. "Bear-hug" is a smooth as silk, with a "floating on air" feel and great guitar solos. "Eternal Life" wraps things up nicely with a definite sense of closure and a really nice piano progression. If you enjoy jazz guitar greats such as George Benson, you'll enjoy Art and this tremendous CD.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Art Ruprecht's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"My Life" by Erly Thornton (Jazz Artist from Florida(FL))

"My Life" is a contemporary jazz/soul album that features the outstanding saxophone work of Erly Thornton. The sound is one that is difficult to put a label on. There are great elements present from many different genres, although smooth jazz is probably the most predominant. The musicianship is superior on this album and the arrangements are unique and intelligent. There is a constant upbeat, yet smooth vibe to all of the songs. All of the instruments are well represented, meaning you can hear everything. The relationship of the layers is well produced. This album will relax you and get your heart pumping at the same time. Highlights include "JJ's Bounce," which takes you off the map a little bit with urban beats and a funky groove. "Fantasy" speaks for itself in the title and features one of the best sax performances on the album. "Grooveelatious" is another self-explanatory track. There is more than groove to this one though, as it takes you on an airy journey. If you enjoy contemporary/smooth jazz saxophone, you'll love this CD and this talented saxophonist.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Erly Thornton's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Sunday, June 8, 2008

“Cité Soleil” by Patrick Charles (Jazz Artist from Los Angeles, California(CA))

Take off your shoes and relax. "Cité Soleil" by Patrick Charles is a smooth jazz CD with an appealing Caribbean flair. The music on the CD is nicely composed, and nicely showcases Patrick's outstanding drumming as well as the talents of the other first-rate jazz musicians on the CD. Thru recording quality and production provide a high quality, clear jazz recording. Lyrics are minimal in this CD, but in one song, "Citè Soleil" Patrick utilizes his native tongue to deliver a message, along with an excellent rhythmic groove. "Kush" features some outstanding jazz piano, muted horn, and sensual female spoken messages, along with the CD's trademark strong rhythmic groove ground on Charles' drum work. The last song on the CD entitled "Charlene," is a beautiful piece of music, which emotionally portrays the love Charles has for his sister. The listener feels the emotional message of the song through the beautiful instrumental piano work. If you enjoy jazz music, and CDs where you can feel the soul of a real jazz musician, this CD is for you.
-Alicia Williams
Check out Patrick Charles's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Three Before Midnight" by Al DeGregoris (Jazz Artist from Long Island, New York(NY))

"Three Before Midnight" by Al DeGregoris is an impressive instrumental smooth jazz album cleverly infected with urban and Latin grooves. The composition is the true strength of this album. Al writes really nice lines and ties them together just as well. There are many interesting nuances within these tracks. There is a "New Yorkness" about Al's sound. Not so much because of the fusion of sounds, but because of the hazy vibe Al creates. The musicianship, especially the piano and keyboard work, throughout the CD is excellent. The album sounds great, is well produced and jumps right out of the speakers. Highlights include the opener "'J' Walkin'" with a quirky jazz line, nice changes and a tropical feel. "Hot Potato" features a deep House beat and memorable piano work. "Into the Light" has a dramatic flair to it and a nice progression. If you enjoy instrumental jazz, you'll enjoy this impressive CD.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Al DeGregoris's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

"Par Dela Les Frontieres" by Natali Art (Jazz Artist from France)

Natali Art brings a big soulful voice and an energetic flair to her album "Par Dela Les Frontieres". The sound is comprised of European elements mixed with funk and jazz. Natali's vocal range is tremendous and she brings a fresh and creative approach in her style and delivery. The arrangements behind her are very active, but complementary at the same time. There are a lot of instruments present in each song and they are effectively mixed to present a well-balanced, multi-layered sound. Highlights include "Les Fenetres De Moscou". Natali gives you a taste of that great vocal range with a little scat, and the arrangement is lively and fun. "Le Coeur" features some nice Accordion work, nice changes and another fine vocal performance. "Le Bourdon" features great violin work and energetic tempo changes. If you enjoy discovering outstanding European jazz vocalists, pick up a copy of this CD.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Natali Arta's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sitesa

Sunday, June 1, 2008

“Never Say Never” by Duane Carter (Jazz Artist from Texas(TX))

On "Never Say Never", Duane Carter's outstanding trumpet melodies brightly shine above a smooth jazz background. Duane's impressive trumpet skills are nicely backed on the CD by a group of outstanding musicians. The tracks are nicely varied in tempo and style, yet they are all guided by Duane's melodic songwriting. "Playa Amador" adds a wonderful Latin touch to the CD, and is accentuated by outstanding vocal harmonies. The beautiful female vocals in "You're as Right as Rain" add a wonderful complement to Duane's memorable trumpet counter-melody. "Saint Hood" has a funky groove led by hammering bass work, and an outstanding syncopated lead line. If you enjoy trumpet virtuosos and silky smooth jazz with different subgenre influences, you'll love this CD.
-Lea and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team