Currents
October 2009 By Brian Soergel
Mind Over Matter
Heads Up
Najee’s first album since 2007’s straightahead-influenced Rising Sun marks the popular saxophonist’s return to the cool and sophisticated urban sounds he’s known for. In fact, Najee calls it a “friendly album,” one influenced by responses received onstage...
October 2009 By Brian Soergel
Good Day
Peak Records
It’s a Good Day indeed for fans of Peter White’s sweet-sounding contemporary jazz/pop on the nylon-string guitar, as this is his first CD of original material in five years. An accomplished musician, White doesn’t veer from paths taken before, and there’s...
April 2009 By Brian Soergel
Memories of Summer as a Child
Dharma Moon
If you happened to stumble upon a new ambient-folk/bluegrass instrumental CD spearheaded by satirist Chri-stopher Guest of This Is Spinal Tap and Waiting for Guffman, we’d excuse your guffaw. But Memories of Summer as a Child is no joke. We think. Guest...
April 2009 By Brian Soergel
Star Power
Shanachie
More than 30 years after “You Are My Starship” crowned Norman Connors a new quiet storm hero, Connors is now an old-school hero with an up-to-date project. Who’d have guessed that he’d include an updated version of his big hit? How about tight, New Jack...
April 2009 By Brian Soergel
No Regrets
PRA
As soon as Randy Crawford’s vocals grace “Everyday I Have the Blues,” you realize that they’ve maintained their magic, only now they are seasoned with a sexy, come-hither huskiness. Crawford, of course, is still remembered fondly worldwide for her distinctive...
April 2009 By Brian Soergel
Love Birds
Nordic Night
If Oli Silk is the British version of Brian Culbertson, Jonathan Fritzén is the Swedish edition of Brian Culbertson, the 36-year-old American pianist known for his melodic and much-imitated style. That style puts memorable pop music, much of it love songs...
April 2009 By Brian Soergel
More Tales Remixed
Heads Up
Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick’s Incognito has always been equal parts R&B, soul and funky beats throughout its 30 years. The British band has legions of fans in the dance and concert realms as well, and it appears this remixed CD of Incognito’s latest studio...
April 2009 By Brian Soergel
Send One Your Love
Concord Records
Boney James is late to the concept CD, but the dreamy saxophonist with the full-bodied sound certainly nails it. It’s a cohesive, slow-jam vibe perfect for cuddling. James is respectful enough of his fans that although he covers six worthy songs, he also...
April 2009 By Brian Soergel
Soul Intent
Heads Up
Kinda hard to believe that childhood friends James Lloyd and Curtis Harmon, founding members of Pieces of a Dream, have been kickin’ it for 30 years, especially since they’re still only in their 40s. They were popular from the start, and their early 1980s...
April 2009 By Brian Soergel
After Hours
SwingDing
Great music often flies under the radar. An excellent example is Vibes Alive’s After Hours, the second CD by vibist Dirk Richter and guitarist Randall Crissman. The 11-song CD, mastered by Bernie Grundman, is lucky enough to have Jeff Lorber on eight of...
