Featured Artist: Above The Clouds

CD Title: Above The Clouds

Year: 1999

Record Label: Fahrenheit Records

Style: Contemporary Jazz

Musicians: Vince Denham, Sax and flute; Karen Hammack, Keyboards; Kendall Kay, Drums; Vernon Porter, Bass; Todd Robinson, Guitar; Lenny Castro, Percussion.

Review: Recorded at Irvine, California in February 1999 and recently released, this is a powerhouse CD of California cool jazz, so mellow and imaginative it will lift you right off your feet with its beauty and mellowness! Above The Clouds is group and title for a debut of several gifted jazz musicians. Vince Denham plays saxophones and flutes and performs some of his compositions on this CD, among them, "Groove This" and "Inside Out." His work on both saxophone and flute is excellent.

And for those who have never heard her before, this is a great opportunity to listen to the keyboard magic of Karen Hammack (let's hope she does a solo jazz piano CD someday!). Kendall Kay is on drums, and Vernon Porter is on bass. Todd Robinson on guitars, and Lenny Castro is on percussion. My favorites on this standout CD: "Ashton Strut," "Twilight," and "Easy Does It." In each of these 12 selections there is wonderful music, and everybody will find their own favorites, for it is that kind of great debut CD! Karen Hammack's composition, "Vista Corona" is another remarkable selection to be played again and again. For those looking for a really outstanding debut CD of fine jazz musicians working together in perfection and joy, "Above The Clouds" is an excellent collection! A fine CD to have, and give as a gift!

Tracks: Groove This, Inside Out, Ashton Strut, Twilight, Easy Does It, Vista Corona.

Reviewed by: Lee Prosser

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