Sax, clarinet and flute player Dave Panico has his music rooted firmly in his faith yet although his brand new album ‘Joy Rid’N’ displays some palpably religious connections this never gets in the way of the great vibe that his playing routinely generates. Consequently ‘Joy Rid’N’ is a recording that should appeal to both sacred and secular audiences alike.
Panico started out his performing and recording career in the Chicago area where he enjoyed a seat in the orchestra and studio band of Willow Creek Community Church. It was here that Dave took his love of ministering and combined it with his passion for music. John Carlson, Music Director at Willow Creek recalls that “Dave was a talented, enthusiastic, and treasured musician who was equally at home as a soloist or as member of Willow Creek’s horn section”. Currently residing in Kansas City, MO, with his wife and three children, Dave regularly enthralls audiences with his fine playing and along the way has picked up the Instrumental Artist of the Year Award at the 2007 Kansas City Christian Music Awards.
‘Joy Rid’N’ opens up with ‘When 2 R 1’ which, as well as being a great example of picture perfect smooth jazz, is both mellow and uplifting at the same time. When Panico switches to flute for the distinctly tropical ‘Bumba Way’ the result is just as pleasing and the frothy ‘Samba’ has a title that describes it to perfection. It’s a tune that might just call ‘Dancing With The Stars’ to mind while, in complete contrast, ‘Surrender’ is a slice of regulation contemporary jazz that will sound good in a live setting or on radio. The tight funky ‘Sweet Aroma’ benefits Steve Taylor’s edgy guitar and, when Panico reaches for something totally different, his atmospheric flute on ‘Perseverance’ evokes images of Native America. Of the more overtly religious offerings, ‘Sending In Judah’ is both jazzy and up tempo while ‘Come All Who Are Thirsty’ glides on a pleasant mid tempo vibe and features inspiring vocals from Ah’Lee Robinson.
‘Fly With Me’ flows like a cool stream and a Smooth Jazz Therapy favorite is the deliciously melodic title cut. With an aura to make it stand out from the crowd, the tune is a terrific example of Panico’s art yet even better is ‘Just Me And My Friend’. Attractively warm with a mid tempo groove this is arguably the albums best track.
Panico names Warren Hill, Dave Koz and Richard Elliot among his current influences and on the evidence of ‘Joy Rid’N’ there is no reason why, with time, he should not join his heroes in the upper echelons of smooth jazz.
For more on Dave Panico go to www.soaringsaxman.com