Review: Smooth jazz guitarist Blake Aaron is back with his third CD Desire and for anyone familiar with his music, it was well worth the wait. This collection of mostly original music captivates the senses from the first note and never lets go. Aaron’s love for jazz is apparent in everything he does and Desire is no exception.
Aaron, who got his start as a kid playing rock music on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood has toured with groups such as The Drifters, The Coasters, Little Anthony and more. Additionally, he has also been a guitarist for television shows including Mad TV, The Ben Stiller Show, Sunday Night Comics and The Jamie Kennedy Experiment, just to name a few.
Desire heats things up with the first memorable note as Aaron lets loose on “Bumpin’ On The Wes Side,” which is dedicated to the genius of Wes Montgomery and is one 13 original compositions on this 15 track CD. Aaron’s engaging riffs waft through the air, light as a summer's breeze. It’s soft in its easy to listen to quality, yet exhilarating in its passion and fine musicianship. Aaron pours his heart into another masterfully composed melody dedicated this time to the genius of Thelonious Monk and Grover Washington Jr., aptly titled “Harmonious Funk.”
“Will It Go ‘Round In Circles,” written by Billy Preston, is one of two tracks not written by Aaron on Desire. He does, however, make it his own with his impeccable guitar. Mike Whittaker on piano and organ is superb as is Jeff Coffin’s sassy saxophone. Aaron’s take of the haunting Sting classic ”Fragile” is truly inspired. There’s a definite Latin flair to Aaron’s playing and the backing horns section comprised of Will Donato on saxophones, Sal Cracchiolo on trumpet and Eric Jorgensen on trombone punch up this famous ballad, yet clearly done so as not to take away from its original beauty. Not an easy thing to do while keeping the integrity of the original intact.
The title track “Desire” highlights Aaron’s skill with his instrument as it mingles sensually with Guerrero’s muted trumpet, which is hauntingly beautiful here. T.J. Gibson provides soulful vocals on “Forever,” a timeless love song with Alan Hewitt providing his expertise on keyboards and programming as well. Switching it up is the hip and bluesy “Baby Likes The Blues.” This tune starts off rocking and keeps that rhythm right through to the last magnificent note. Aaron downright rocks as does Mike Todd on saxophones. “Spin Zone” closes out this extraordinary collection of music with a bang. It’s upbeat, edgy and full of life with Aaron’s exuberance leading the way and a horn section that really knows how to set the groove.
Desire is unquestionably one of the standout smooth jazz CD’s of the year, three years in the making.
Tracks: Bumpin' On The Wes Side, Come On Over, Will It Go 'Round In Circles, Shine, If You Were Mine, In Her Sweet Way, Desire, Forever, There Will Come A Day, Baby Likes The Blues, Fragile, Run Away With You, Harmonious Funk, Short, Sweet And Sexy, Spin Zone
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