Hip hop producer turned contemporary jazz sax
evangelist Sam Rucker stands out from the bunch by preaching melodic messages
of hope and inspiration on “Tell You Something,” his sophomore set that was
released today by Favor Productions featuring contributions from R&B and
contemporary jazz veterans Norman Connors, Bobby Lyle, Tom Browne and Alyson
Williams on the disc mixed and mastered by Euge Groove.
Rucker’s
street cred on the gritty urban set chock full of meaty hip hop beats is never
in question. Author of the album’s eight originals, he produced nine tunes and
shared the helm with Connors on three classic R&B covers: “Before I Let
Go,” “Footsteps in the Dark” and a version of Connors’ signature romancer “You
Are My Starship” that is ignited by star turns from Browne’s gregarious trumpet
and Lyle’s nuanced keyboards. The tracks throughout the session strike a deft
balance between soul grooves and improvisational jazz. Rucker’s horn work is
organic played passionately through soprano, tenor and alto sax. Lilting
harmonies as well as a few cuts that include a vocal chorus uplift like powerful
affirmations revealing the artist’s innate ability to connect and communicate
with or without words. The first single, “Be True 2 Who U R” eases into the
service before shaking the walls with a thundering soprano sax sermon presently
finding favor with radio programmers.
A
fistful of promotional events in Virginia this week will help launch “Tell You
Something.” Tonight Rucker will be in Norfolk for an album listening event held
by the Hampton Roads Jazz Lovers Group followed by a live interview at 10pm
ET/7pm PT on internet radio program CoffeeTalk Jazz Radio. On Thursday, Rucker
will make a live appearance in Hampton at The World Famous Lessons In Jazz
Series and Friday finds him performing at the Portsmouth Seawall Music
Festival.
Below is
a sampling of some of the early album reviews heralding Rucker’s refreshing
sound and approach:
“Sam
Rucker has mad skills and unlimited potential!...After listening to ‘Tell You
Something,’ the emotional quality of his music leaves little doubt that Sam
Rucker is as sincere as he is talented.” – Critical Jazz
“Artists
like Sam Rucker are more than a breath of fresh air – they represent such
incredible promise to this genre because they bring understanding, energy,
a genuine love for the music, and, of
course, an abundance of soul.” – The Smooth Jazz Ride
“For
lovers of soul-jazz.“ – Sonic Soul
"This is
smooth jazz as it was in its heyday.” – Soul and Jazz and Funk
“Tell
You Something offers good beginnings, a professional musicianship and exquisite
arrangements.” – Smooth Jazz Daily
“Excellent
return of Mr Rucker.” – No Solo Smooth Jazz
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