PIECES OF A DREAM - IN THE MOMENT
2013
release from the veteran Jazz outfit. Joined by superstar guitarist Rhon
Lawrence and up and coming saxophonist Tony Watson Jr., the group has composed
10 brilliant originals that run the gamut from "in the pocket"
R&B to the kind of sensuous Smooth Jazz jams that have made them legends.
Lead producer and founding member James Lloyd, who has been a go to hit maker
and accompanist for such artists as Mary J. Blige, BB King, Wayman Tisdale and
others, is at the top of his game here with such highlights as the funky
"Steppers 'D' Light" and the romantic ballad "Misty Eyed".
Additionally, co-founder Curtis Harmon's composition, the title track "In
the Moment", is a joyful celebration of Pieces of a Dream's 20th album and
their brilliant career.
Although not a new release (it's from 2006), I thought I would
bring this one to the forefront since it contains one of my all-time favorite
songs – Crystal Blue Persuasion. Originally performed by 60s group Tommy James
and the Shondells, Shields’ version is smooth., cool, and simply beautiful! It’s got a feel-good vibe and stellar
production that I am sure you will enjoy as well. Iconic producer Preston Glass has
worked with a plethora of artists including Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie,
Aretha Franklin, Earth Wind & Fire, Kenny G, George Benson, and more. The album
also includes two timeless cuts from the catalogs of Van Morrison (Have I Told
You Lately) and Sade (Cherry Pie). On "Have I Told You Lately,"
Shields delivers the right chops to bring out the beauty of the highly
recognizable tune and on "Cherry Pie," he deliver with a sweet, sexy
excursion of R&B grooves.
LIN ROUNDTREE - SERENDIPITOUS
The
latest artist to emerge from the 'New' Detroit music scene, soul trumpeter Lin
Rountree has spent his years laying a serious foundation on the local scene,
honing his skills and chops for the moment that he had his opportunity to take
his music to a higher level and spread it to the masses. With 'Serendipitous'
his major label CutMore Records debut, Lin works now on building his musical
house with this base firmly established and does so with spectacular result. Rountree
is no stranger to the groove and hits high marks for hip factor as he lays them
down fat and funky, giving him canvas to paint his many colors, fusing funk,
soul, ambience, pop and jazz into a captivating musical portrait.. Consumers
seeking to find the Zone, will find it in plenty with this assemblage of vibes
moods and feels that create that kind of escapism that allows the partaker an
internal getaway. The lead single 'We Chill' already burning up national radio,
just oozes with hipness and is so chilled that goose bumps become a natural
side effect. Scoring a role in the Whitney Houston film 'Sparkle' hasn't hurt
Rountree's international profile, which helped lead to his headlining a show at
the Dubai International Jazz Festival this year. Having shared sides with the
likes of George Duke, Marcus Miller, Kem and Darren Rahn, it's time to step
forward to the front edge of the stage and take his rightful place alongside
the burgeoning crop of fresh new faces of the next generation of smooth jazz
stars. ~ amazon.com
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