The much anticipated new CD from keyboard maestro Alan Hewitt is out now. Titled ‘Retroactive’ it is entirely up to expectations and as well as following his magnificent 2006 release ‘Metropolis’ is also Hewitt’s first in collaboration with the consistently excellent nuGroove label. With the exception of one stunning cover (and a tasty reprise from ‘Metropolis’) Hewitt writes arranges and co-produces throughout while his trademark keys prove yet again the ability he has to reach to the very essence of smooth jazz. Not only that, the contributions made by regular band members Jervonny Collier, Chad Wright, Brian Price and Gerald Spikes bestow an overall tightness that is quite simply a joy to behold.
‘Retroactive’ is quickly up and running with Hewitt’s feisty cover of the Isaac Hayes blockbuster ‘Shaft’. Blessed by the silky input of Steve Madaio, Will Donato and Steve Clark, who here masquerade under the name of the Desert Storm Horns, it seems likely, even at this early stage, to stick around to become one of the covers of the year. In fact this stellar horn section of trumpet, sax and trombone adds a luscious veneer to no less than five of the tracks. Another is the catchy foot tapping title cut for which the description ‘infectious’ is totally apt and there is more of the amazing same with the up tempo ‘In The Works’. With a groove to die for it is already a firm Smooth Jazz Therapy favourite.
Trumpeter Steve Madaio played a significant part on the ‘Metropolis’ project and when Hewitt returns to it for his tight interpretation of the Sly Stone composition ‘Hot Love In The Summertime’ it is Madaio who blends with Wendell Kelly on trombone to lay a brassy foundation for Hewitt’s picture perfect keys. The song shimmers with wonderfully restrained vocals from Shea Chambers and elsewhere, as Hewitt slips easily into the sumptuously mid tempo ‘All For You’, his vibey playing dovetails effortlessly with handsome sax from Gerald Spikes. In similar vein, and inclusive of a cool guitar solo from Paul Jackson Jr, is the tender ‘Saturday Afternoon’ whilst another hugely accessible tune in a collection crammed full of them is the seriously addictive ‘H2O’. Fellow nuGroove label-mate Steve Oliver features on guitar and a further guest performance of note is that by the incomparable Greg Adams whose distinctive trumpet takes the mid tempo ‘Nassau Blue’ to a different place.
Hewitt uses the sensitive but edgy ‘Amagine That’ as the vehicle for a spine tingling solo effort on piano and vibes yet in complete contrast is the raucous ‘Big Bang’. Thoroughly off the chain and with more horn enriched energy this is a number that really rocks.
‘Retroactive’ is Hewitt’s sixth album and is a brilliant early addition to this year’s new music. It comes highly recommended. For more go to www.alanhewitt.com