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Chuck Loeb: Presence
ByEqually impressive is how effortlessly Loeb moves from the bouncy funk of the opener, "Good to Go," to the sensual and exotic "Llevame," with superb vocals from his wife, Carmen Cuesta-Loeb, a talented guitarist herself. And just when it didn't seem the world needed yet another interpretation of Steely Dan's "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," Loeb breathes new life into the old warhorse via a snappy interchange between his guitar and Dave Mann's flute.
Nothing on Presence seems artificial and forced. There's nothing here that would make you wince and say, "Why did they put that song on the album?" Everything meshes and feels like it belongs. Nothing seems contrived to pander to radio programmers for airplay or other commercial concessions. Loeb has chosen to surround himself with musicians and poerform songs that complement his own sublime artistry.
Let's not be overly analytical about this, though. This impressive album showcases Loeb's undeniable command of the guitar, and Presence is a clear sign that 2007 is getting off to a good start.
Track Listing
Good to Go; Rikki Don't Lose that Number; Window of the Soul; Starting OVer; Llevame; Presence; The Music Outside; The Western Sky; Hangin' With You; Mr. Martino; Shed A Little Light.
Personnel
Chuck Loeb
guitarChuck Loeb: guitars, keyboards, fender and synth bass, drum and percussion programming; Lizzy Loeb: flute; Wolfgang Haffner: drums; Nathan Ecklund: trumpet and trombone; Dave Mann: saxophone, flutes and horn arrangement; Ron "Buttercup" Jenkins: bass guitar; Will Lee: bass; Matt King: piano; Brian Killeen: bass; Josh Dion: drums and percussion; Carmen Cuesta: vocals; Carl Carter: bass; Mike Ricchiuti: piano and Rhodes; Till Bronner: trumpet and flugelhorn; Christian Diener: acoustic bass; Mitchel Forman: strings and string arrangement; Andy Snitzer: alto sax; Tom Schumann: piano; Brian Dunne: drums.
Album information
Title: Presence | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Heads Up International
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