Gregoire Maret uses his writing skill, socializing skills and expert talents on the chromatic harmonica for this album filled with guest appearances and accessible easy listening jazz. A core team of James Genus/b, Ricardo Vogt/g, Gerald Clayton/key-p and Terri Lyne Carrington welcome a plethora of other musicians and vocalists, with Carrington joining in with Kokay on a hip hop vocal on “2 Beats” with an accompanying string trio. Maret’s harmonica delivers a Stevie Wonderful mood with bass clarinetist Chris Potter on a mellow “Blue In Green” while he ruminates with a wistful Ivan Lins” on a romantic “Voo Do Passaro.” Synthesized soul mixes electronics with Take 6 vocalist Mark Kibble on the title track, while his solo with Luciana Souza’s voice and Clayton’s piano creates warm waves on “Groove” The album closes with a ringer, as Maret teams with the late jimmy Scott for a tender “26th Of May.” Heart rendered and heart warming.
Sunnyside Records