‘Love Birds’ is the debut CD from silky smooth keyboard player Jonathan Fritzén and, as if from nowhere, it looks all set to take the contemporary jazz genre by storm. With a groove that owes much to Brian Culbertson, Joe McBride and Brian Simpson, this self penned and produced tour de force is an incredible achievement for the Swedish born Fritzén who still calls Stockholm his home. All eleven sumptuous tracks reach to the very core of what great smooth jazz should be and on this evidence it must only be a matter of time before he receives the recognition he deserves.
Fritzén clearly has an innate ability to weave rhythm and melody into everything he does and this is perfectly demonstrated with the shimmering ‘One Night With You’. He is again in fine form on ‘Distant Mountain’ where his ultra cool keys are underpinned by a solid bass foundation and when he turns things down a notch the result is the beautifully tranquil ‘Like A Star’. In similar vein is the mellow title track whilst ‘Always Be My Love’ has a perky beat, subliminal yet enticing backing vocals and is, in every respect, a wonderful example of feel good smooth jazz. Elsewhere, the atmospheric ‘Midnight Secrets’ takes Fritzén firmly into chill territory while equally spine tingling is the gorgeous ‘Far ‘Away’.
Returning to the soothing vibe with which he excels ‘Take Me Home’ is another glistening delight but truth to tell the album is crammed full of stand-outs. Particular favorites include the Culbertson like ‘Temple of Dreams’ which, as well as being the first single to go to radio, is an absolute stunner and, despite a quicker tempo and a funky groove, ‘Back 2 The Club’ is every bit as good. However, just shading it as Smooth Jazz Therapy top track is the sensational ‘Deep Down’. Tender and alluring, seductive and sexy, this is the ultimate make out music for lovers.
It remains to be seen if in his quest for smooth jazz stardom Fritzén will have to emulate other European notables of the genre such as Oli Silk, Peter White and Chris Standring by relocating to the USA. However, whatever his chosen option, ‘Love Birds’ is proof that Jonathan Fritzén is a contemporary jazz talent who deserves to be heard.
