Smooth Jazz Therapy has followed the career of guitarist Patrick Yandall since 2006 and the release of his excellent CD ‘Samoa Soul’. In fact this San Diego resident has been a solo artist since 1994 when he made his debut with ‘That Feels Nice’ and now, eighteen years later, he is back with his fourteenth album, the terrific ‘Acoustic Dreamscape’. Produced and engineered by Yandall (who also writes nine of the eleven tracks) this is very much his own project and, given he also plays all instruments, there is little doubt that ‘Acoustic Dreamscape’serves as a resounding showcase for his abundant talents.
It’s a collection that finds Yandall in decidedly reflective mood and this perfectly demonstrated by the wonderfully mellifluous title cut which will live long in the memory. More of the tantalizing same comes with both the delightful ‘Steal Your Heart’ and the equally soothing ‘Desire’ while elsewhere ‘Full Moon’ revolves around a languid but nevertheless compelling groove which Yandall accentuates by subtle use of trumpet and keys.
As well as being crammed with rhythm and melody, the easy grooving ‘Country Walk’ is evocative in the extreme and, although ‘Only You’ is another melodiously tranquil track, the claps of thunder that add drama to the happy vibe of ‘Hanalei’ perfectly fit with the Hawaiian resort from which the song takes its name.
Much like Yandall’s previous releases he limits cover versions to just a couple but in doing so makes two stunning selections. First he breathes new life into Dylan’s signature ‘All Along The Watchtower’ then comes completely out of left field with ‘Mood For A Day’, an instrumental piece by English rock band Yes. This classical guitar solo shows off a different side to Yandall’s musical persona yet in the final analysis there is nothing to better sum up what he is all about than the superb ‘Valentines Night’. In common with the entire CD the tune is tender, understated, beautifully performed and the perfect backdrop for spending time with the one you love.