Chuck Loeb - eBop - Shanachie I had my first taste of this album one gorgeous Sunday afternoon while touring the mountains of Banff National Park in Alberta. To call this is a perfect Sunday drive album though would surely short change it. Some say the listener is more forgiving of any album when coupled with breathtaking scenery. I've always thought the opposite and if you've ever taken a road trip with a Bjork fan you'll know what I mean. Bottom line?
 
  
   


This one will make you stare at the speakers no matter what's around you. Like his last "All There Is" Loeb produced this, his 13th album and let's just say Smooth Jazz is in good hands with this guitarist at the helm. The opening title track is a perfect driving song if you like high speeds and is one of those radio friendly tunes adding a little spice to Smooth Jazz. "Brainstorm" slows it down giving the listener more of Wes Montgomery groove in that smoky retro Jazz bar manner - the hook on this one will stick you. I'm still humming it. The albums best track "Back At The Bistro" like most cuts relies on programmed drums which interestingly work really well and I'm a drummer.

 
  
The off-beat drum pattern lays a pretty good foundation for the track and Loeb's snazzy picking is truly an infectious affair. I found myself listening to this one over and over. Loeb touches on the more traditional Jazz feel on the appropriately titled "Back Then" featuring Randy Brecker on flugel horn. If you like your Jazz subtle, sleek with that thought provoking transcendent slow coolness you will love this piece. Like listening to a Jeff Lorber album I was impressed by the modern funkiness on this album, case in point expressive, bouncy "Fool Proof" and the perky "New Wheels." Loeb has had a colorful history working with Stan Getz and Michael Brecker's Steps Ahead and has produced heavyweights like Earl Klugh, Spyro Gyra, Jeff Kashiwa, Gary Burton and Nelson Rangell. On "eBop" Loeb does what most successful Smooth Jazz guitarist do, infusing elements of the old and new so Blues meets Jazz and Smooth Jazz with a little funkiness thrown in for good measure. I highly recommend this one. - By John Beaudin