Seldom Blues (Heads Up) isn’t just the title of flutist Alexander Zonjic’s latest CD and the name of a nightclub he co-owns in Detroit; it also reflects the listener’s response to this delightful album. The CD offers a collection of upbeat smooth-jazz tunes and numerous well-known guests who enhance the compositions without diverting attention from Zonjic’s spirited, versatile playing. The grooving “Leave It With Me” features saxophonist Kirk Whalum, Pieces of a Dream keyboardist James Lloyd and guitarist Earl Klugh, whose delicate fills provide nice counterpoint to Zonjic’s catchy flute melody. One of the album’s highlights is a cover of Eric Burdon and War’s classic “Spill the Wine,” wherein Zonjic’s dramatic flute flourishes punctuate singer Kevin Whalum’s gospel-tinged vocals. Motown singer Kem sings lead on the mellow title track, which was penned by keyboardist Bob James and his daughter, singer Hilary James, while Zonjic’s version of Angela Bofill’s “Under the Moon and Over the Sky” features Bofill herself on vocals.
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