Four For February

You never know what you will find in the vaults of the All About Jazz CD library. Rumor has it that there are a few missing staffers in there, but we're afraid to ask. In an effort to keep our readers in the know about recent releases, we thought we’d pull some of the contemporary titles at random and share the results of our reviews with you. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy.

Radio Contact
Acoustic Alchemy
2003

Radio Contact is the latest release from the original creators of the smooth jazz genre. This CD is a return back to basics with more of a concentration on the original acoustic vibe of the group. You’ll hear the vibrant pairing of the Carmichael’s soft nylon strings with Gilderdale’s edgy steel in “No Messin.” The folk-tinged vocals of Jo Harrop in “Little Laughter” are pure delight.

Cellar Funk
Down to the Bone
2003

The “kings of the UK jazz groove scene” are back and funkier than ever. Songs tend to concentrate on rhythms and less on definitive melodies. The layering of electronica and instrumentation provide a colorful palette of textural sounds and vibes. This is a "copy controlled" disc with a special media player for PC use. The player worked well, but I couldn't get the button that linked to the web to work.

Pass It On
Scott Durbin | Listen
2003

Chiropractor and trumpet/flugelhorn player Scott Durbin brings us into a bit of a retro vibe in several feel-good arrangements on this independently recorded CD. While I enjoy a good giggle as much as the next gal, some of the humor in the liner notes and the song lyrics made it challenging to accept this CD as a serious offering. However, I did like his mellow tones and horn style, especially in "Secret Love." Maybe there is a lesson to be learned from Pass It On.

Swoosh
David Hughes | Listen
2003

Hughes is part of an emerging group of dynamic bass players who aren’t afraid to tackle harmony and melodies. His six-string instrument definitely gives him the room to redefine the jazz fusion genre. This independently recorded CD features the stellar guest appearances of David Benoit, Wilton Felder, Greg Mathieson and Allen Hinds.

Tracks:

Radio Contact - 1. No Messin’; 2. Milo; 3. Shelter Island Drive; 4. Urban Cowboy; 5. El Camino Del Corazon; 6. Little Laughter; 7. Tinderbox; 8. What Comes Around; 9. Coffee with Manni; 10. Shoestring; 11. Turn The Stars On; 12. Ya Tebya Lubliu; 13. Venus Morena

Cellar Funk - 1. Back to Business; 2. Cellar Funk; 3. I’ll Always Hold you Close; 4. Timeless; 5. The Flow; 6. Crossing Boundaries; 7. You’re The Only Reason; 8. Dancing To A Samba; 9. Global Village; 10. L.A. Shakedown; 11. Little Smile; 12. Down In the Basement

Pass It On - 1. Secret Love; 2. Jazz Party; 3. Touching You Touching Me; 4. Sonoma Sun; 5. Without You; 6. Good For Me; 7. Chicken Lip Strut; 8. Secret Love; 9. Save Me From Myself; 10. Pass It On

Swoosh - 1. Swoosh; 2. Benoit; 3. Waiting For The Crowd; 4. Carlton; 5. Clearing; 6. Riverside; 7. Millertime; 8. Sunshine; 9. Contemplationalism; 10. Kenny; 11. Waves