The number of jazz bands that are commercially successful is pretty small; ones that are successful for 25 years could probably fit into a phone booth, if you could find one. Playing swinging yet accessible music since George Bush #1 was president, the team of Nathan East/b, Bob James/key, Harvey Mason/dr and the recent newcomer of 5 years hence Chuck Loeb/g deliver ten silver plated tunes in celebration of the anniversary.
Nice and clean contemporary sounds abound on pieces like the upbeat “Quicksilver” which feature some tasty work by Loeb and Mason’s patented groove machine on the ride cymbal. Hip and bluesy bop serve as a tribute on “Horace” while James delivers some richly exotic piano sounds and the gently charging “Sterling.” Pastor Kirk Whalum polishes up his soprano sax for a smooth as silk “Precious Metal” while the Larry Carlton tune “Silverado” has an irresistible WAR-like lick. These guys have made smooth jazz in a way that gives it a good name. Lots to love here.
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