Album Reviews

KEN NAVARRO

I must admit, I never tire of listening to Ken Navarro’s guitar. His amazing ability to capture the pure essence of peace and tranquility, yet not bore is an amazing art form. The Meeting Place, Navarro’s latest CD and seventh project in his career, mind you, dating back to the 90’s, is homegrown, not silicone…no additives or preservatives. It’s just a true organic contemporary jazz experience from beginning to end. Take my word for it, my friend. The Meeting Place is a tight 11 track record which includes 10 originals and an outstanding version of Pat Metheny’s Lakes.

CHUCK LOEB

PRESENCE

My people… the renaissance man himself, Chuck Loeb, has unleashed his guitar brilliance once again, with the release of Presence and it is absolutely fabulous. The eleven track record kicks it all off with good to go, a playful, but relaxed rock-steady vibe, followed up with a laid back version of Steely Dan’s 1974 classic, rikki don’t loose that number. I really felt this project within moments of listening to it. Starting over and presence just absolutely penetrates the soul and captures the heart. Loeb just seems to effortlessly create great music and for that gift, I thank him.

BRADLEY LEIGHTON

EAST COAST PROJECT

Bradley Leighton is a hard cat to beat when it comes to contemporary jazz on the flute. But, when you combine Leighton’s upbeat funky soulful sound with keyboardist/arranger/synthesizer programmer/producer Jason Miles, you have yourself one heck of a collaboration entitled East Coast Project. Ode To Billy Joe kind of caught me by surprise with its contiguous 70’s roll bounce vibe behind Leighton’s lilting flute. By the time East Coast Project moved to the next track, What You Gonna Say, I could no longer resist the urge to get out of my seat and shake a tail feather with no end in sight. Man, this cut simply grooves. I can’t say enough about what’s so right about Keep That Same Old Feeling. The vocals are excellent, Leighton’s flirtatious flute is irresistible and Miles’ production kept triggering the repeat button. Hey… East Coast Project is the what’s happenin’ on the scene. Can you dig it?

VESTA

DISTANT LOVER

Soulful vocalist, Vesta reinvents timeless R&B classics on her Shanachie Debut, Distant Lover. Check this out! Miss Thang primarily tackled songs sung by male artists like Marvin Gaye, The Spinners, Smokey Robinson, Sly Stone, Stevie Wonder & other R&B icons. Right then, I knew my girl had some pretty big shoes to fill and half stepping was not allowed. Vesta’s larger than life energy and spirit came through beautifully, showcasing her rich and intense vocal ability and not for one second did she ever disappoint. Distant Lover has several romantic highlights including Stevie Wonders’ Knocks Me Off My Feet, Sade’s No Ordinary Love and Ooh Baby Baby popularized by Smokey Robinson. I tell ya folks, Vesta did a jam up job on this record and I do mean, on point. Although I’m not a huge fan of cover albums, Now that I have had the pleasure of spending some time with Vesta and Distant Lover, I am truly looking forward to an album of originals.