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With 13 tracks to cruise through I found myself hooked on the selection
of tunes, stellar production and the mesmerizing guitar work from
Les Sabler. Produced by Brian Bromberg and surrounded by some of
the formats best musicians including Alex Acuna, Brian Bromberg,
Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff Lorber, Eric Marienthal and Gary Meek, the
drive is indeed sweet and infectious. From the opening notes of
the Stevie Wonder/Yvonne Wright penned track 'You've Got It Bad
Girl' the grooves are there and there is no doubt Les has brought
his 'A' game, with guitar riffs showing influences of Benson, Carlton,
Montgomery and Ritenour. His passion for the music and the format
really stand out with his heartfelt playing, which over the years
has garnered him respect from his musical associates and fans. Highlights
are found on every track, but for me the hook and Gary Meeks' tasty
sax interplay with Les on 'Club Street' found replay immediately.
I was also blown away by his cover of 'Can You Stop The Rain' which
Peabo Bryson originally made silky smooth over a decade ago, and
now Les Sabler's guitar work has made a format staple for years
to come. The catchy ride that is 'Struttin' ably aided by some sweet
keyboards from Jeff Lorber and some tasty horn work from Jerry Hey
and friends is a track begging for a 'Sweet Drive' along your favorite
scenic route. On 'Twenty-Two' the musicianship shines with killer
interplay from Brian Bromberg's bass, Gary Meek's sax and Les' flawless
guitar fretwork…deserving of radio airplay heavy rotation.
On the self penned track 'Food Chain' I found myself feeling a very
Chicago-like vibe with an almost Blues Brothers hook finding its
way to my foot for some rhythmic accompaniment. You will also be
hooked by the sensuality of 'Could You Be' that question we all
find within our own beings, with a hypnotic and smooth musical flow
from Brian Bromberg, Jeff Lorber, Gary Meek and Les Sabler's magnificent
and heartfelt playing. So if you are a fan of the Contemporary Jazz
format, or a listener looking to find something that soothes and
invigorates ones' listening palate, the fourth album from Les Sabler
'Sweet Drive' will take you on a most pleasant ride and one which
you will want to take repeatedly to find your own respite in the
traffic jam that we call everyday life. - by Paul
Ericson
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