There’s a whole lot of positive, upbeat music on Jeff Kashiwa’s Peace of Mind (Native Language). The former Ripping-tons saxophonist has a way with an engaging melody, and that talent is amply in evidence here. Kashiwa welcomes the listener into the album with the brisk, buoyant “Wait and See,” while the title track features a slinky, prowling rhythm and organ accents. Some of Kashiwa’s well-known friends join him on the album, including his former boss, Rippingtons leader Russ Freeman, who contributes acoustic guitar to the snappy “My Fantasy,” and guitarist Chuck Loeb on “Here and Now.” Bassist Brian Bromberg produced and plays on several tracks, including “Homeward Bound,” which also features graceful piano from keyboardist Dan Siegel. Smooth-jazz saxophonists Kim Waters and Steve Cole harmonize with Kashiwa on the En Vogue hit “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It.),” although their version lacks the original song’s sassy attitude-a minor stumble on an otherwise most enjoyable album.
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