Nelson Rangell is one of the most talented players on the smooth jazz circuit. Yet, because he lacks the level of exposure and volume of radio play that is routinely enjoyed by some of his sax-playing contemporaries, his music often seems to be overlooked. Despite that, for those fans who really know smooth jazz, Rangell is right up there with the best. Two Smooth Jazz Therapy all time favorite tracks come from Rangell and together they demonstrate the versatility of the man. Although the uplifting and vibrant sax piece ‘Going All The Way’ from the 1994 CD ‘Destiny’ and his flute playing on the stunningly beautiful ‘April Snow’ from his 1997 ‘Turning Night Into Day’ stand at opposite ends of the smooth jazz rainbow they could both be used to demonstrate what the genre represents. Indeed Nelson Rangell is well known for his ability to move comfortably and instantly from piecing, almost raucous, saxophone to the gentlest of touches on flute and he demonstrates this once more with his latest CD release ‘Soul To Souls’. His third album in eighteen months since his move to Koch, and his fifteenth in all, it is a varied and interesting collection that never disappoints.
The title ‘Soul To Souls’ is Rangells wording for the gift of this music to his listening public and on reflection he wishes he had given that name to the first track to be lifted for radio play. Instead it is called ‘City Lights’ and with a distinctly smoky background it typifies his powerful and jazz infused sax playing. No one quite does ‘powerful’ like Rangell does powerful and ‘A New Avenger’ is high-octane smooth jazz of the sort for which he has created a real niche. He also applies his big full sound to the melodic yet jazzy ‘Mean Business’ and although ‘When I Saw You’ is also mellow it is sweet and soulful too. The song has a catchy hook and is a superb example of what smooth jazz should be. The mid tempo Joe Sample composition ‘Free As The Wind’ is replete with the urgency of Rangell’s full tenor sound while altogether different is James Taylor’s ‘Theme From One Man Dog’. Here, on this free flowing tune, the alto sax of Rangell is as warm as summer’s day.
An example of how eclectic Rangell is prepared to get is demonstrated by ‘A Night in Tunisia’ where his arrangement evokes all the eastern promise one would expect from the African nation that gives its name to this Dizzy Gillespie classic and on which Rangell plays what is quite simply impeccable jazz sax. For the Earl Klugh composition ‘Vonetta’ he switches to flute for a duet with Klugh himself and the result is stunning. The tune gathers momentum from its magical laid back introduction to wondrously resemble a vibe something akin to stones skipping on water. In fact, although unlikely to make it to radio, Rangell’s work on flute provides ‘Soul To Souls’ with some of its most memorable moments. He really sparkles on both the ‘The World View’ and the Stevie Wonder track ‘Send One Your Love’ to provide the luscious musical beauty that really makes him stand out from the crowd.
‘Soul To Souls’ is a different and exciting collection that deserves to do well. One can only hope that the tastemakers of smooth jazz radio cotton on to this fact and afford it the airtime it deserves. If your local station does not feature 'Soul To Souls' call them up and ask for it to be added to their play list. Nelson Rangell is an artist who should be heard.
For more go to www.nelsonrangell.com