Featured Artist: Jeff Golub

Jazz CD cover CD Title: Grand Central

Year: 2007

Record Label: Narada Jazz

Style: Soul / Funk Jazz

Musicians: Featured guests: Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Philippe Saisse, Stephen Ferrone, Mitchell Foreman, Luis Conte.

Review: No stranger to success, Jeff Golub created a name for himself as a much-requested sideman backing rock stars Rod Stewart and Billy Squire. His debut as solo artist in 1988 with Unspoken Words established Golub as a major player in the music world. During the 1990s, Golub expanded his creativity and really let loose with his band Avenue Blue on several releases crossing pop, Latin, blues and sweet funky soul.

With more expansion on each disc, Golub came back to the spotlight under his own name, releasing Dangerous Curves, Do It Again and his hot soul-jazz album, Soul Sessions. By this time, Golub’s audience waited in anticipation of each new release. Thankfully, Jeff is back and he’s hot as ever with his latest release Grand Central, blowing away any misgivings about jazz, soul, blues and funk. It’s all in this CD as Golub again stretches the envelope and creates an atmosphere of ‘electric live vibes.’

Opening his album with “Hello Betty,” which is already being requested on radio stations across the country. Golub’s cool riffs are backed by an outrageous horn section. Jumping in with a funky beat and a few guitar slides, “Lulu’s Back” commands the listener’s attention as the artists interact and Golub creates high-spirited conversation on his guitar. Percussion opens the Sly Stone song “If You Want Me To Stay,” accompanied by a spiraling keyboard. Pure bluesy funk the way it was designed to be. Golub’s creative finger rolls add fire to the funk.

More up-tempo, Golub’s self-written “Mojito” offers a change of pace with a toe-tapping beat with Philippe Saisse on piano producing a fiery intenseness. Braving George Harrison’s “Something” with Dave Woodford on sax and Nick Lane on trombone, the band gently backs Golub’s reverberating slide along his guitar strings, a grand tribute to Harrison’s genius. "Shockwave,” written by Golub and Chris Palmaro, highlights Palmaro on Hammond B-3 as Luis Conte keeps the beat funky on percussion.

Getting down and gritty, Kirk Whalum scintillates on tenor sax to the funky beat of Steve Ferrone on drums as Golub provides a light lead on “Slinky.” Nick Lane pumps up the title track “Grand Central,” written by Golub and Palmaro, with performance on trombone and Rick Braun flugelhorn. Golub’s riffs and twists keep the intensity of this song throughout the production.

The familiar “Ain’t No Woman” features Richard Elliot on tenor sax. Ferrone keeps a smooth beat on drums as Freddie Washington downbeats the electric bass. Mitchel Forman plays Fender Rhodes and clavinet, keeping this song as dynamic as the first time it was ever played. Golub’s guitar speaks to the audience and Whalum keeps the mood drifty.

Bluesy, “The Way I Feel Tonight” cuts no corners. Lincoln Goines handles the acoustic bass as Kenny White does a hypnotic piano roll as Golub slides along the strings. Palmaro struts the B-3 into unfettered territory on “Stuffin’ It.” Knowing his fans would want more, Golub includes two bonus tracks: “Brooklyn Dreams” and “Let’s Stay Together.”

No longer an up-and-comer, Golub is an already-got-there. Fans of Larry Carlton would probably enjoy Jeff Golub. He’s real. He’s artistic. He holds back nothing. Grand Central brings all the excitement of a live performance.

Tracks: Hello Betty, Lulu's Back, If You Want Me To Stay, Mojito, Something, Shockwave, Slinky, Grand Central, Ain't No Woman, The Way I Feel Tonight, Stuffin' It. Bonus Tracks: Brooklyn Dreams, Let's Stay Together.

Record Label Website: http://www.naradajazz.com

Artist's Website: http://www.jeffgolub.com

Reviewed by: Nina Goodrich

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