Notes & Personnel Info |  | Those seeking a rather groove-filled but otherwise generic compilation of modern-day smooth jazz from the Rendezvous Music label will find this one more than satisfactory. It features relatively new cuts from artists such as Kirk Whalum, Praful, Kyle Eastwood, Wayman Tisdale, Philippe Saisse, and Mindi Abair, among others. Particularly hip is the Philippe Saisse Trio's groovy, Ramsey Lewis-styled reading of Steely Dan's "Do It Again," Marc Antoine's flamenco-inflected hip-hop jazz on "Mediterraneo," and Rick Braun's "Notorious." The selection is sequenced beautifully with mid- and slow tempo groovers intermittently sprinkled among the harder-edged funky jams. This collection is proof positive that smooth jazz is not some unholy hybrid of easy listening and pop. It's hip; it's full of street swagger, the dancefloor's quirks and quarks, and the canny knowledge of pop; and it delves deep into both lyricism and beats. Recommended. ~ Thom Jurek |
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