Smooth Jazz Reviews

Dana Brenklin Reviews Christian McBride Trio’s “Out Here”

Review By: Dana Brenklin

Christian McBride Trio “Out Here”

Record Label: Mack Avenue

Christian McBride’s bass is to jazz what Whitney Houston’s voice is to pop music and Michael Jackson’s moonwalk is to “Billie Jean”, but of course you knew that already, you can’t have one without the other. Although McBride’s playing is from another time and space, modern music needs Christian. “Out Here” is timeless, not one album filler. If the very first track on the album, “Ham Hocks and Cabbage”, had been another 8 minutes, you’d never know the difference. It’s as if you’re in a supper club in New Orleans or a cabaret in Paris. Wherever you want to go, this album will get you there.

On this record Christian pairs up with drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. and pianist Christian Sands, yes another Christian, maybe that explains why the album is so heavenly. I am sure these two talented gentlemen had to be honored to play with one of the jazz greats. Sands, Owens, and McBride complement each other. Sands a pianist who is capable of channeling any genre from jazz, to blues, to bebop and even Gospel and drummer Owens Jr. is equally talented displaying classic jazz & bebop sounds with every tap of his anointed drumsticks.

Read more at: Smooth Jazz Magazine

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Dana Brenklin Reviews Jeff Golub’s “Train Keeps A Rolling” With Brian Auger

 

Review by:Dana Brenklin

Review for Jeff Golub’s “Train Keeps A Rolling” With Brian Auger

Record Label: eOne Music

Funky has a new name and it is Jeff Golub. On his 12th time out, solo that is, Jeff has done it again and with help from jazz and rock keyboardist Brian Auger. Jeff is arguably most known for his work with Rod Stewart with whom he spent 7 years with from the late 80’s to mid 90’s.

This is Jeff’s 12th album, but first since becoming blind and Jeff’s undaunted courage is nothing short of amazing. This album is appropriately titled “Train Keep a Rolling” and so does he, along with his new dog and companion Luke, who can be seen standing by Jeff’s side on the album cover. Jeff is no stranger to the blues as some of his heroes are blues musicians and the last two times out were bluesy for the legendary guitarist.  Read more here: Smooth Jazz Magazine

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Dana Brenklin Reviews Dave Koz and Friends “Summer Horns”

 

I’ve waited anxiously since the release of the first single of the Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns album and the classic album is finally here and this is what I have say about it.

From start to finish this album keeps you satisfied. The first single “Got To Get You Into My Life”, previously made famous by the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire is not the only jewel on the album. Summer Horns is a masterpiece, reminiscent of recordings such as the timeless “Flamenco Sketches” with Miles Davis and John Coltrane. You can’t listen to just one track and you are bound to put this work of art on repeat. A project of superstars, everyone in their own right, from legends to new. Dave, Mindi, Gerald and Elliot all hold their own. Each artist brings their A game, funkiness and raw talent. Stevie Wonder’s “You Haven’t Done Nothin'” is another highlight and Herb Alpert‘s “Rise” is a sweet delight. It might be titled Summer Horns, but this is an all occasion and all year long, soon to be classic. – Read more at: http://teenjazz.com/reviews/summer-horns-dave-koz-friends.html#sthash.2yIgQgDg.dpuf