Tyler Rice: Tyler Rice

Tyler Rice's eponymous debut is truly a one-man show. Rice composed all songs, played all instruments, and released the CD on his own label. Although he has accumulated plenty of experience in local bands as a drummer and bassist, when he decided to start composing and embark on his solo career, he built his fan base via the internet, uploading his compositions to a popular MP3 site and drawing a very positive response.

The CD does, in fact, sound like a one-man show. The flute or brass parts sound like, well... a keyboard emulating flute or brass parts. Same with the sustained background chords. But it's okay, though, there's certainly a place in the music world for well-done solo CDs, especially when the tunes are catchy and likable as Rice's are. The tunes are, by Rice's own description, aimed at the smooth jazz/easy listening market, and they fulfill that objective.

Rice shows that he has the ability to compose and perform enjoyable instrumental music. This CD is a worthwhile debut. Hopefully, we can look forward to future releases where Rice continues to develop his own voice and add some more authentic-sounding samples to his sound palatte. (Twin)