There’s a fine line in jazz between jazz that is smooth and “smooth jazz” and Greg Satterthwaite takes great pains to use his piano and keyboards to be on the right side of the line. This recent release of his has the classic soul groove reminiscent of vintage Joe Sample on things like Rainbow Seeker and Carmel, in that the grooves are deep, the soloing lyrical and the ideas are creative but accessible. He brings together the team of drummer/percussionist Terreon Gully and electric bassist Brian Cockerham for the whole outing, with Melvin Jones coming in for a handful on trumpet or flugelhorn.
On piano, a trio take of “Running Brook” ripples with melodic romance, while the rhythm team adds a hip little reggae vibe to the sensual “Long Road”. Satterthwaite’s keyboards sizzle over the percolating undercurrent of Gully and Cockerham on “Afro Yard” and there’s a slick Weather Reportish feel on the tropical pulse during “Shine”.
Jones’ horn adds wondrous glory to the soulful “Crossing Lines” and some blue hues to the nifty cadence of “Afro Beat Mode”. Most fun of all is the finger popping feel that the team creates on a polished and shined read of the Duke Ellington classic “Caravan” with a mix of R&B and Saharan desert mystique.
Mellow music with melody and muscle.