Smooth Jazz Therapy has followed the career of Quintin Gerard W since 2004 and the release of his debut CD ‘Fnkysax’. At the time I described the album as having an urban slant of which Boney James would be proud and when in 2006 he returned with the equally appealing ‘Perseverance’, it provided a further chance for would be fans to discover his exquisite brand of mellow, hypnotic grooves. Now, six years on, he is staking another claim to solo stardom with the warmly seductive ‘Before It’s Gone’.
That said, ‘Before It’s Gone’ is not totally a collection of candle light jazz for lovers and a case in point the rhythmic ‘The Asymptote’ which is designed to fill the most frenetic of dance floors. Similarly the mid tempo vibe of ‘Our Day Will Come’ does nothing to diminish the urban disposition that permeates much of what is on offer and cool backing vocals from Jada Batiste simply adds to the pleasure. Elsewhere Gerard rings the changes with the moody deconstructed ‘Nevada Nights’ but is quickly back on smooth jazz message with ‘Be Happy People’ which is not only radio ready in the extreme but also provides a fine platform for Eric Nicholas on keys.
Nicholas is back, and in sparkling form, for the delightfully reflective ‘When Things Don’t Go So Well’. It’s a tune that shows off Gerard’s sensitive playing to the full and much the same can be said of ‘Buy That Ring’ which proves to be a turned down urban smoker of the highest order. Mixed in amongst the urban swagger is a smattering of smooth jazz ballads and the gentle ‘Foster’s Child’ is right up there with the best of them. In similar vein is ‘Like This Like That’ and more of the delicious same comes in the form of ‘Words Cant Explain’ where Gerard’s excellent production bestows an intensity that keeps on building.
In terms of personal favourites, ‘Test My Love Again’ is where the smooth meets the urban in the most sensational of ways and another choice track is ‘Night Time Pleasure’ where Snejana Popovo takes the honours on vocals. However, in the final analysis there is nothing to surpass the sumptuous ‘Sweet Ladies’. With a lusciously seductive vibe, this is as good an example of top notch urban jazz as will be found anywhere and deserves to do extremely well.
With thirteen self penned songs that Gerard has also produced and arranged ‘Before It’s Gone’ is a fabulous showcase for his undoubted talents.
