‘Evolve’, the fifth album from chart-topping sax-man Jackiem Joyner, will be released April 29. It features eleven self-penned and produced tracks that mark him out as someone not afraid to stretch the limits of what urban contemporary jazz can be while still delivering music that is massively accessible.
In fact Joyner made his debut in 2007 with the highly acclaimed ‘Babysoul’ and the follow-up, ‘Lil’ Man Soul’, garnered two Billboard No. 1 singles including ‘I’m Waiting For You’ that won Song of the Year honors at the 2009 Smooth Jazz Awards. His third (self-titled) collection also laid protracted siege to the Billboard charts but it was with his 2012 gospel project ‘Church Boy’ that he finally embraced his church roots. Now, true to its title, ‘Evolve’ continues the musical evolution of this consummate player.
First up is ‘Generation Next’ which, in addition to being the first single released to radio, is also a fine example of what happens when jazz, R&B and instrumental pop fuse together in the most sensational of ways. In fact it is exactly what ‘Evolve’ is all about and much the same can be said of the sultry title cut where a powerhouse opening lays a foundation for a slice of textbook urban jazz.
Of course Joyner is also well known as an integral member of Keiko Matsui’s touring band and when she joins him to weave her magic on the moodily urban ‘Europa’, she helps deliver a number of the highest quality imaginable.
Elsewhere, the drum enriched orchestral backing of ‘See Through Me’ showcases just how effective, as a producer, Joyner really is and how comfortable he is at pushing the smooth jazz envelope. Another fresh approach comes in the form of the dramatic ‘Born To Fly’ that has a fabulous intensity about it and although the perky, mid-tempo ‘Bouble Bass’ is very easy on the ear, it nevertheless luxuriates in a compelling bass line.
Later, the brass enriched splendor of ‘Breathe’ provides a delightful backdrop to Joyner in engagingly romantic mood and when he edges down the tempo for ‘A Gentle Walk On Water’ it brings the CD to a sumptuously tranquil end.
In terms of personal favorites, a wondrously soulful fifty eight second interlude builds a bridge to the decidedly sexy ‘Later Tonight’ yet, that said, right up there with it as the best ‘Evolve’ has to offer is the streetwise swagger of ‘Big Step’ which, with tenor sax from Gerald Albright and keys from Bill Steinway, has soul to burn and then some.