When, in 2008, I reviewed ‘Love Birds’ by silky smooth keyboard player Jonathan Fritzén I commented that every one of its eleven sumptuous tunes reached to the very core of what great smooth jazz should be. This self penned and produced tour de force proved to be an incredible achievement for the Swedish born Fritzén who still calls Stockholm home and now he is back with the equally impressive ‘VIP’.
With a groove that owes much to Brian Culbertson, Joe McBride and Brian Simpson ‘VIP’ is quickly up and running with the totally in the pocket title cut for which Jay Soto injects a typically tight guitar solo. Soto returns to lend a hand with ‘The Standard’ where he helps to deliver another slice of foot tapping smooth jazz and Fritzén is joined by Greger Hillman on alto sax for the zesty ‘Coastline’. Michael Lington on sax adds his special magic to the romantically tuned ‘Fading Away’ and as Fritzén stays in reflect mode for ‘Day After Day’ he conjures up a cool mid tempo groove spliced with a catchy hook that is to die for.
‘The New Vibe’ comes complete with a killer bass line and more of Fritzén’s melodic keys while the sparse, thoughtful but totally compelling ‘In Motion’ is a joy. Both tracks are indicative of the musical moods that Fritzén seems able to randomly create and this is again apparent with ‘In Your Eyes’ that includes vocals from Camilla Lundstedt and which shimmers with a wonderfully turned down aura.
Part chill, part jazz and with a groove made for lovers ‘Stay’ is brought alive by the cool sultry tones of Laila Adelle. When she overlays her soulful vocals to the intense ‘If You Want It’ the result is even better and although it is difficult to choose a favorite from the abundance of riches on offer this one is right up there with the album’s best. ‘VIP’ closes with the mid tempo ‘Bring It Back’ and in doing so leaves the listener with a magnificent reminder of the delightful accessibility of Fritzén’s music.
On this evidence it is inconceivable that he will not soon become a major force in contemporary jazz music.