Due out January 17 ‘Unified’ is the brand new album from Brian Simpson and Steve Oliver who have combined to create what was originally envisaged as being built around an electronic music concept but which over time has evolved into contemporary jazz project that nevertheless retains elements of electronica.
Also including contributions from ‘go to’ bass player Alex Al, drummer Eric Valentine and percussionist extraordinaire Ramon Yslas this is a CD that heralds in the latest in a long line of exciting smooth jazz pairings and one that could well be around for some time to come.
‘Unified’ is quickly up and running with the spicily funky title cut which perfectly demonstrates the interplay between piano and guitarthat is such a feature of the entire album. A tight amalgam of sophistication and soul it also happens to be the first track serviced to radio and another with airplay potential is ‘Like No Other’. Right from the get go it was Simpson and Oliver’s intent to ensure ‘Unified’ was replete with memorable melodies. This a song that provides exactly that and although when the tempo eases the super chilled ‘A Distant Love’ emerges to reveal Simpson on piano and synth sparring with Oliver’s steel acoustic guitar and his subliminal vocals, it is the warmly inviting ‘Café du Monde’ that finds Oliver taking care of the melody and Simpson being Simpson with some really interesting chord changes
In terms of personal favourites ‘What The Wind Knows’ gives a nod to the liking both Oliver and Simpson have for electronic chill music. A great groove mixed with electronic and acoustic sounds, this is a tune that is lifted both by Oliver’s trademark wordless vocals and featured bass from Alex Al. Just as good is the intense ‘Fired Up’ for which trumpeter Rick Braun is outstanding and the combination of Larry Antonino on bass, Eric Valentine on drums and Ramon Yslas on percussion really get the job done.
Yet all things considered the Smooth Jazz Therapy top track is the spine tingling ‘Last Summer’. Fans of Brian Simpson will already be very aware of his ability to set a mood with the sensitivity of his playing and here he does exactly that. Despite many more obvious candidates that may come along this could well prove to be the best number of 2020.
Eric Valentine and Ramon Yslas are also on hand for ‘The Way Home’ which, complete with Caribbean vibe, promises to be be an ideal backdrop for those endless summer festivals to come. Another song with sunshine in mind is the reggae infused ‘Celestial Body’ while elsewhere the deliciously mid tempo ‘The Road Never Ends’ proves to be a fine showcase for Oliver’s great work on guitar.
‘Unified’ comes to a tranquil end with the shimmering ‘And Then You Loved Me’ that, much like the entire project, will leave the listener longing for more. In January it may be somewhat premature to hail ‘Unified’ as the best recording of the year. However it can be said that the collection to come along and better it will have to be something very special indeed.