Well, its that time again and at the end of what has been a truly amazing year for Smooth Jazz Therapy it’s a genuine pleasure to thank you, my readers, for the way you keep coming back and for making this site the hottest place for contemporary jazz on the web. Over the last twelve month we have reviewed seventy five CD’s, reported on fifteen gigs and overall had a wonderful time doing it. Thanks also to the publicists, the record companies and of course the artists, both established and up and coming, who have all played a part by making their music so generously available. Therefore, accepting the self indulgence of it all, but by way of celebrating what has gone before, here are my own personal highlights of the year. In other words and in no particular order, my Smooth Jazz Therapy Top Twenty Tracks of 2007.
‘Let’s Get Close’ by Brian Simpson from the CD ‘Above The Clouds’. Anchored by a killer bass line from Larry Kimpell and replete with a vibe that simply oozes sensuality, this is a number that confirms Simpson as a true heavyweight of the genre.
‘Black River’ by Keiko Matsui from the CD ‘Moyo’. Paul Taylor, whose own CD ‘Ladies Choice’ proved to be hugely successful this year, steps up on sax for this radio hit that, despite its thoughtful opening, provides what is undoubtedly the catchiest smooth jazz hook of 2007.
Read on for the remainder of this years top tracks.
‘I Need You’ by Norman Brown from the CD ‘Stay With Me’. Paul Brown produces and Norman Brown finds a wonderful collaboration with the acoustic guitar of Kenneth Williams who also provides ideal backing to his soulful vocals.
‘I’m Not The Same’ by Les Sabler from the CD ‘Sweet Drive’. One of the surprise packages of the year and with stunning vocals from Toni Scruggs and Rahsaan Patterson this soulful smoker has spine tingling guitar from Sabler and a gentle melody that blossoms in the care of Gary Meek on sax.
‘Every X You R Near’ by Soul Ballet from the CD ‘Lavish’. Hypnotic in the extreme, Rick Kelly uses tight percussion and subliminal vocals to lay the foundation for an increasingly urgent beat that glistens with lavish strings and cool yet compelling guitar.
‘Without Your Love’ by Lamb and Meyer from the CD ‘Don’t Get No Better. Saxophonist Patrick Lamb and percussionist Patsy Meyer spent much of the year on separate tours backing, among others, Bobby Caldwell and Norman Brown. Even so they still managed to create one of the best albums of 2007. This compelling, mid tempo cut has terrific vocals from Lamb and Meyer and is, from start to finish, completely in the pocket.
‘Mellow Nights’ by J Dee from the CD ‘Tippin On The Edge Of Funk’. Quite simply contemporary jazz at its outstanding best, this breathtakingly beautiful tune shimmers with a sumptuous quality that will draw you in and leave you longing for more.
‘Morning Noon Night’ by Will Donato from the CD ‘Will Call’. Here Donato delivers an extremely atmospheric chunk of smooth jazz that is built on a decidedly sultry vibe and superb use of peripheral yet stunning backing vocals.
‘Akire’ by Lin Rowntree from the CD ‘Groovetree’. Trumpet and flugelhorn player Lin Rountree is the latest artist to emerge from the 'new' Detroit music factory and quickly makes his mark with this terrific example of mid tempo smooth jazz.
‘Waterline’ by Four80East from the CD ‘En Route’. Four80East often dare to be different and with a big beat paired with a gentle melody this is maybe the best example of pure chill on the entire album.
‘City Slicker’ by Jay Soto from the CD ‘Stay Awhile’. Soto combines with Jeff Lorber and Gary Meek for this smoky groove driven masterpiece.
‘El Spanyo’ by Dee Brown from the CD ‘No Time To Waste’. In an album overflowing with riches this is as edgy a piece of guitar driven smooth jazz as you will hear this year or next.
‘Born 2 Groove’ by Euge Groove from the CD of the same name. EG just keeps on getting better and seeing him perform both on the Smooth Jazz Cruise and at Westlake Village CA was, for me, among the smooth jazz highlights of the year.
The cleverly titled ‘More Or Les Paul’ by Paul Brown from the CD ‘White Sand’. With Brown’s cool guitar firmly in chill territory and his production weaving that special magic, Euge Groove is on hand to flawlessly deliver the melodic groovy chorus.
‘It’s Who We Are’ by N-Groove from the CD of the same name. Vocals from Monica Ssali set the tone and, with the shadow of Incognito everywhere, the track is further illuminated by superb electric violin from Matvei Sigalov.
‘Shine’ by Blake Aaron from the CD ‘Desire’. Paul Brown provides creativity as producer and performer, DC and Roberto Vally do their respective things, stunning flute comes courtesy of Jessy J and with Aaron at his melodic best this could well be one of the standout smooth jazz cuts of the year.
‘Nothing That I Do’ by Dee Lucas from the CD ‘Something to Ride 2’. This original composition is fashioned around a cool vocal from Terri Carroll and built on a sultry vibe that is straight from the street. This is where urban jazz meets quiet storm to sensational effect.
‘Blue Water’ by Eric Marienthal from the CD ‘Just Around The Corner’. Co-written and produced by Brian Culbertson this lusciously mid temp tune sparkles with flashes of his distinctive keys.
‘Movin’ Up’ by Jeff Kashiwa from the CD ‘Play’. Here Kashiwa shares writing credits with Miles Gilderdale who also features on acoustic guitar. The result is a horn driven tour de force that is seriously addictive.
‘Out Of Nowhere’ by Jimmy Sommers from the CD ‘Sunset Collective’. This wonderfully rhythmic track is written by Sommers, Michael Tello and Kenneth Crouch. It is, without doubt, one of the albums standouts.
Well, that was my twenty! If you have your own list of favorites from 2007 why not e-mail it to me at denispoole2000@yahoo.com. Happy New Year!
