Review: Darren Rahn – Talk of the Town
 March 10, 2009 - Canadian-born Darren Rahn is the epitome of the success story many aspirants in the music business imagine for themselves. His grasp of the principle of disciplined hard work, coupled with the dedicated mastery of his art (via study at the University of Northern Colorado, resulting in him becoming a masters level jazz graduate) have reaped generous rewards for this artist in ways many can only hope to experience at some point in their lives. Here on Talk of the Town, his 3rd album, Rahn continues blazing that indelible trail of excellence.
A little background on this phenomenal talent: Rahn began working behind the scenes in the mid-90s producing and programming tracks for other artists. It was his work with Wayman Tisdale in 2004 on “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” that would catapult him into the limelight of the music industry. He continued to work in the studio with Tisdale and an assortment of other smooth jazz heavyweights, and these relationships would prove pivotal in the launching of his solo career, enabling him to quickly and easily move from behind the console to the stage. Since that time, Rahn has firmly established himself among the front-and-center luminaries, touring with Tim Bowman and playing with acts like Wayman Tisdale, Eric Darius, Kim Waters, and Gregg Karukus. This latest production comes on the heels of his 2007 debut CD with nuGroove Records, Once in a Lifetime, a delightful showcasing effort.
Taking this CD apart cut by cut might be fun, but I’ll only touch on a few tunes, as they pretty much represent the whole soul of Rahn here. Of quick note is the first track, Tale of Two Cities, a hard-driving, funky cut just right as an opener to what follows, which, by the way, includes bass master Tisdale on track 2, “Whatcha Gonna Do for Me,” bringing that Tisdale bite in a way only the jovial, high-spirited former basketball great can do. Rahn then roars through with snappy pieces and soulful tunes alike, including the title track and a sweet, soulful number, “Secret Crush,” on which keyboard wizard Jeff Lorber appears with his signature touch. Oh, and you just have to check out his cover of Patrice Rushen’s classic “Forget Me Nots.” Rockin’! Rushen has to feel supremely honored.
This cozy ride continues throughout as Rahn weaves his vibrant pattern through each tune, including the bouncy little cut featuring guitar personality Tim Bowman, “With You by My Side,” and “Easy Does It,” featuring the iconic Bob James.
No tune here lacks the ability to move you in whatever direction it’s headed. Rahn may have already been a name known to insiders for years, but, with his previous two albums and this fantastic third, he’ll surely live up to this latest album’s name as the “Talk of the Town” among Smooth Jazzers the world over. - by Ronald Jackson |
March 5, 2010 – Smooth Jazz has gone dark in Sacramento. Entercom Communications, owners of Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 FM pulled the plug on the station this week. 
February 27, 2010 – Smooth Jazz Now wants to thank you for listening. Starting Monday March 1st listen for your name andyou could win some of the biggest albums in Smooth Jazz history
February 23, 2010 - French Smooth Jazz guitar sensation Emmanuel Abitebol, more known as U-NAM, came to fame with his widely acclaimed somophore album ‘Back from the 80’s’ released in 2007. 
February 23, 2010 – The new Sade album is kicking some serious butt on the charts. After a 10 year break the sultry singer is back on top of the Billboard Album Charts with “Soldier of Love.” It sold over 500 thousand in its first week of release. 
February 22, 2010 – The annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards ballot count ending last Friday (Feb. 19) reflects a dramatic increase in voter interest. Awards co-chair, Mary Kirk, of Wave 94.7FM says, “Thank you to the huge number of fans from all over the world who took time to send in their ballots.” 
February 19 - 2010 - Smooth Jazz female sax players are not numerous, but there is a collection of talented performers such as Candy Dulfer, Jessy J and Paula Atherton among others. Mrs. Atherton does not only perform sax and other horn instruments, she is also a consummate singer.