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Reviews
by Bob Farrow of The Wave 94.7 in Hamilton
The "Wave
Fave" for Monday June 30th
Jeff
Lorber
- Philly Style (Narada)
Jeff grew up
in the city known for it's distinctive musical style and this
latest offering re-unites him with producer Steve Dubin, also
a Philly native. Even though they went to the same high school
and played in the same clubs they never crossed paths until
Jeff hired Steve to work on "Kicking It" This disc
continues the fun, funky, retro-soul grooves that truly defines
"Philly Style" There's more acoustic piano here
and Jeff still uses his trademark Rhodes for underpinning
harmonies, but his ivory solo's are what make the work shine.
Richard Elliot has a guest shot but it's more about Jeff and
Steve celebrating their "Phillyness"
Bob
Farrow
Host-The Smooth Jazz Breakfast
Wave
94.7fm
The "Wave
Fave" for Monday June 23rd
David
Sanborn
- Time Again (Verve)
Much of the
music on the latest from veteran alto sax man David Sanborn
relates to his childhood in St. Louis. As the title suggests
he is re-examining songs that mean a lot to him. "Harlem
Nocturne", "Sugar", "Tequila" and
"Isn't She Lovely" are clothed in David's distinctive,
easy on the ears style along with 3 originals and Joni Mitchell's
"Man From Mars". He has a huge hit with Ben Tucker's
"Comin' Home Baby" and it's only a matter of time
before his label releases another single from the collection.
With so many sax players in the format, it's refreshing to
listen to an artist who can groove and at the same time maintain
an improviser's mentality. It is indeed "Time Again"
for David Sanborn.
Bob
Farrow
Host-The Smooth Jazz Breakfast
Wave
94.7fm
The "Wave
Fave" for Monday May 26th
Remy Shand
- The Way I Feel (Motown)
We knew this
would be a winner as soon as we heard the fist track. Winnipeg's
son of soul gives us a taste of what growing up with the music
of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and other Motown legends can
lead to. All original tracks, all recorded and produced in
his home studio, this is one amazing CD. Given his youthful
energy, a fantastic ear for rhythm, gifted lyrics and enough
street savy to coax a deal out of Motown records, Remy should
be around for a long time. His live show is charged full of
energy but if you can't catch up with him, buy the CD. It's
the next best thing.
Bob
Farrow
Host-The Smooth Jazz Breakfast
Wave
94.7fm
The "Wave
Fave" for Monday May 19th
Steve Oliver
- Positive Energy (Native Language)
There are a
couple of reasons that this release by acoustic guitarist
and vocalist Steve Oliver works. One is that he offers 12
new and original tracks that are varied and unique in their
approach. No boring mood music here. Secondly he employs a
superb roster of talent, labelmate and smooth pal Jeff Kashiwa,
keyboard player Tom Schulman from Spyro Gyra along with multitalented
bassists Brian Bromberg and Larry Antonio. The opening track
"High Noon" did well on the charts and the bonus
is that the rest of the album holds up well, reflecting Steve's
joyous, upbeat spirit. The title is well chosen. The energy
is positive, the vibe is alive and the groove is hip. Definitely
one for the collection.
Bob
Farrow
Host-The Smooth Jazz Breakfast
Wave
94.7fm
Wave Fave for
Monday May 12th/03
Boney
James - Ride (Warner)
A masterful
blend of street funk, sensual R&B and smooth grooves that
will continue his popularity with fans around the world. Boney
shows all his cards here, playing sax and keyboards, serving
as producer and writing nine of the ten tracks. Marcus Miller's
cool bass lines does the walking while Boney does the talking
on "Grand Central, RPM and See What I'm Saying. Other
guests include Trina Brousssard on Heaven and R&B singer
Jaheim on the title track. This is one smooth ride.
Bob
Farrow
Host-The Smooth Jazz Breakfast
Wave
94.7fm
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