Musicians: Mindi Abair (alto saxophone, vocal, keyboards), Matthew Hager (programming, guitar, bass, producer, percussion, keyboards), Mike Landau (guitar), Ricky Petersen (piano, organ), Keb' Mo (guitar) Lalah Hathaway (vocals)
Review: I’ve been a fan of this high-energy saxophonist since her debut CD. I thought I’d heard the funkiest that this recently married cutie (I guess we were all just a little too late, fellas!) had to offer when she brought us “Lucy’s” and “Flirt” back then. Boy, was I ever wrong! Three CDs later, she’s proving to have more than enough staying power and creativity to remain in our entertainment center CD racks and on our CD players in cars and homes everywhere. Without a doubt, she’s earned the respect and admiration of her peers, not to mention fans, in a big way.
Starting off coming right atcha with “Do You Miss Me?”, Mindi never misses a beat, no pun intended, and her stylish voicings are truly magnificent. There are several tunes here that could be anyone’s favorite. Mine happen to be the opening track, of course, the high-stepping “Long Ride Home” at track 2, the funky, guttural track 4 “The Joint,” the sweet and caressing yet modestly intense “Rain” at track 5, “True Blue” (track 6) with her cute trademark vocals, the slinky track 7 entitled (what else?) “Slinky” and another cutesy at track 8, “Ordinary Love.” Wow! Considering that there are ten tracks, I didn’t omit much, did I? The others hold their own as well. Anyway, I’m sure you get the point. Mindi remains refreshingly Mindi.
Of course, if there’s a soul out there who’s not acquainted with this blonde dynamo, I hope that this will serve as a solid testimonial. You need Mindi in your collection. Amid her “thank you's,” she thanks those who continue to turn up their radios when they hear her. How could we resist, Mindi? You compel us by your very electricity to do so!
JazzReview.com
