Everette Harp: All For You

Everette Harp returns after a nearly four-year absence with All for You (A440), and the veteran smooth-jazz saxophonist dives wholeheartedly into each composition with assurance and vitality. He gets things going in high gear with the funky “Kisses Don’t Lie,” then shifts moods to the lyrical, EWI-enhanced ballad “Back in Your Arms.” Harp exhibits a strong singing voice on “Time of Our Lives,” although on the infectiously funky “Groove Control,” he turns vocal responsibilities over to R&B singer Howard Hewett. “Hey Yeh” is breezy with a bit of a swing, and Harp and guitarist Norman Brown trade off playfully on the upbeat “Just Like Ole Times.” Harp’s muscular sax combines well with guitarist Earl Klugh’s delicate melody on “I Remember When,” and the album includes a pretty, understated reading of Babyface’s hit “When Can I See You Again.” All for You closes with “In the Blink of an Eye,” a haunting, cinematic piece that Harp cowrote with his mentor, keyboardist/producer George Duke.

Originally Published October 1, 2004