2013 Grammy Nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Album
Oooh, Jazz! And in one of my favorite categories - pop instrumental. I want to add some research in here, but I'm also closing in on being a year behind on reviews… so let's just jump on in, shall we?
"In The Moment" kicks things off in a way that'll make you think you're watching an early-90's sitcom. The music's great, don't get me wrong - it's funky and light and really well-polished. You can ask for a better compiled track to kick things off in the proper way. It's just an odd, off feeling, hearing an old sound on a new album. The musicians compliment each other and the band just oh so well.
Welp we "Keep It Moving" with the next song - ha, get it? There's a delightful bit of bass (maybe electronic guitar, but I've need been very good at figuring out the difference when they're played so well) throughout this, and the saxophone really balances it out. So far, neither is dominant, making for a true duet album, even if you only find this on Gerald's Wiki. | |
Some Latin spice to be added into our line up here, with a light version of the music in "Buenos Amigos." Again, we get a trade-off between the two, with just a little salsa beat to get your feet moving on the floor. It's ever-so-slight, but it does manage to work enough to want to be out there. There are these awesome little flourishes throughout that both guys add that just make the whole thing extra special.
"Tomorrow" sounds like a ride on the waves. There's not quite the beach sound, but that's the only thing the rhythm is bringing to mind at the moment. It is a more classically composed song, by which I mean that there are definite sections and repeats, as opposed to lots of improve on the part of the musicians.
Again, an inherent issue in this music is that songs really sound far too similar to grasp onto as favorites. "Yes I Can" continues on that tradition, though this time the instruments even play together, at the same time. I suppose that at least brings about something just a little different. Heh.
"24/7" is up, title track time. This one slows things pretty far down, giving us a feel for the softer side of smooth jazz. Heh, okay, I realize what a silly statement that was. But it does add in just a few lyrics as well, which is a nice break up of the instrumental arrangement itself. While much of it remains the same as before, there's no denying that these guys have a great groove happening.
Ah, we're into the last bits here, which I'm thrilled for. Not that this hasn't been lovely, but I need something to mix up my listening soon. "Champagne Life" has this interesting winding sound in the background that kind of makes things take on an old R&B sound. And there are singers driving the groove just a little bit to add something to the song. I suppose this can qualify as different sound-wise. Bring in a little funk and the whole thing sort of takes on a new meaning. I mean, not that I'm in love with this either, but it's kind of nice to have something to move to.
"The Best Is Yet To Come" is up next, and I'm totally hoping for a jazz cover… which I'm not sure I'm going to get. But the melody does let em imagine the words strewn throughout, so that's sort of cool. I can make up my own lyrics. Woot.
Final song time - "Power Of Your Smile." A romantic title for a slow ending song at the end of the night. You could drift right off into sleep or love by this one. At five minutes long, I'll probably just let it go off in the background as I sum up this lovely little Jazz experience.
So, nothing to add to the playlist, which I'd apologize for but if you read this whole thing, you realize that I can't think of these songs individually. It's a great compilation of tracks and the two musicians play very well off of each other. It would be a great set list for a night at a lovely restaurant with candles and live music. It's just not something I could really hear again on my own accord without the absolute right setting.