Tenor saxist Richar Elliot has one of the riches tones in town. I don’t care if you call the style that he plays “smooth” or “contemporary,” his sound would sit comfortably with Ben Webster or Paul Gonsalves. Sure, he puts it into an environment of gentle R&B such as “Sookie Sookie” and “All the Way” with synthesized percussion, but he makes it work, and work well. Besides that, he’s got a couple hip bassists that either give the slapping thumb like Nate Phillips does to material like “Givin’ it Up” or with a hip groove as on the title track by Robert Vally.” Besides, who can resist the infectious lazy soul and wacka wooka guitar on “Shining Star.” You gotta love this guy! I guarantee the chicks do.
Heads Up Records