Year: 2009
Record Label: Shanachie
Style: Contemporary Jazz
Review: Jeff Kashiwa has long brought exciting new hooks and loops into the musical arena. Known as the Superstar of Smooth Jazz, Kashiwa is already enjoying #1 space on Smooth Jazz charts with his incredible playing along with Kim Waters and Steve Cole as the Sax Pack--each a superstar.
Influenced by the amazing horns of the 70’s-- Tower Of Power, Earth Wind& Fire, Chicago and The Spinners, Kashiwa jumps into his latest disc, Back In The Day with the seductive, “When It Feels Good,” written by himself and Kim Waters. Anyone familiar with this dynamic duo knows what delight waits ahead as these artists combine their talents again, firing up all the senses.
“You’re The One,” written by Kashiwa and Dave Kochanski, features mellow grooves from Kashiwa’s tenor sax accompanied by Allen Hinds on guitar in a sensuous interplay allowing Kashiwa a fearless flow of melody.
Chris Parks, co-writer of “Creepin’,” provides a funky bass line for Kashiwa as they carry out the hip, firey, message in this vibe. Still jamming,’ “Free Flyer” has the feel of light-hearted energy unfettered, untamed, flowing full sway
Pulling out all the stops, John James provides lead and background vocals on “Somethin’ Real.” This young man has shown up a lot this year. He definitely is headed towards something ‘real.’ A little funky, slightly hip-hop, definitely sweet and seductive—carrying a high note and some sexy low notes, without a stutter—all the way in there—sweltering hot.
Providing smooth keyboard & programming, Kim Waters gives nice backing to Kashiwa’s alto sax and Allen Hinds’ guitar on the deceptively innocent “Meet You There.” Coming back with up-tempo “The Attraction,” co-written by Rodney Lee, Allen Hinds on guitar and Melvin Davis on bass give a funky shwa backing as Kashiwa lets his alto sax work magic through loops, keeping the sound rousing—until the lingering, sensuous closing..
“Baby Come Over” “Starts out with a sparse funky groove, building into a big jam at the end,” says Kashiwa. To a non-musician, or new to music terminology, person—these guys are jamming. The title track ,“Back In The Day,” does take the listener back to a funky smooth jazz, R&B moment (remember kicking back with friends and just taking in the sounds??) Kashiwa makes his tenor sax speak…..
Closing this album with Kashiwa’s own “Honest,” the group winds down as Kashiwa takes his soprano sax on a slow, melodic, provocative journey accompanied by a timely bass of Melvin Davis.
Getting these masters of music together for this production was sheer genius. Back In The Day carries the listener into a sound sensation and keeps him or her there, for the entire recording.
Tracks: When it Feels Good, You’re the One, Creepin’, Free Flyer, Somethin’ Real, Meet You There, The Attraction, Baby, Come Over, Back In The Day, Honesty
Record Label Website: http://www.schanachie.com
Artist's Website: http://www.jeffkashiwa.com
Reviewed by:
Nina Goodrich
Click here for printer-friendly version of review.
Send this page to a friend.
JazzReview.com
