In the best tradition of 1980's Smooth jazz, guitarrist/composer Bob Shimizu relaxing sound and welcoming tone echoes the style of guitarrist like Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton.

All the compositions on First and Monroe are Shimizu originals. Soothing, and accesible music with elements of samba "Easy to be with", "Above the clouds", funk "Her gentle touch in Moonlight", "Yavapai lullaby", "1235 Moio way", and rock/fusion "Padrone", "First and Monroe".

A group of extraordinaire musicians accompany Shimizu on this album including organ legend Joey de Francesco and saxophonist Eric Marienthal.

Bob Shimizu - guitars, David Garfield - keyboards, Bill Moio - backing guitars, Todd Chuba - drums, Mario Mendivil - electric bass, Mike King - acoustic bass, Joey de Francesco - organ, Lenny Castro I percussion, Dominick Farinnaci - flugelhorn, Eric Marienthal - soprano sax, alto sax, Matt Williams I vibes, Lamar Gaines - synths

Her gentle touch in moonlight, Easy to be with, Trace of a nordic blone, Padrone, Above the clouds, Yavapao lullaby, Flying home, L-Ski, 1235 Moio way, Sycamore canyon, First and Monroe