Above the Clouds (CD) by Above The Clouds

0781619200424. New condition. CD. If you've just arrived from another musical planet and are looking for a primer on all the melodic charms and rhythmic energy of great smooth jazz, this disc is a one-stop shop. No surprise either, since its five principals -- all longtime studio and touring veterans -- first jammed as the support band behind Tim Weisberg, who knows a little something about the genre. While conceived as a democratic ensemble, it's saxman Vince Denham who takes charge most of the time, creating a variety of mood swings based on his approach or horn. He goes the bouncy and soulful route on the alto for the hooky laid-back funk of the opening track, "In a Dream," then gives Kenny G and his ilk a run for their sugary soprano money on the dreamy ballad title track. He draws more directly from Weisberg with a perky, then soaring flute melody on "Vista Corona." But don't get the idea that it's just Denham and Friends. Each tune offers solo sections for each member to strut their stuff, too. The title track features a warm piano solo by Karen Hammack, and guitarist Todd Robinson takes solo time to show his soft acoustic side (also the title track) and his screaming electric persona ("Ashton Strut.") Holding down the fort brilliantly -- especially on the bluesy funk jams -- is the rhythm section of Vernon Porter (bass, who also produced) and drummer Kendall Kay. Kay is solid, but he's often overshadowed by the nonstop energy of guest percussionist Lenny Castro. All genre releases of this year shall be heretofore compared to the standard set by this knock-out team. ~ Jonathan Widran, Rovi

UPC: 0781619200424 Condition: New CD If you've just arrived from another musical planet and are looking for a primer on all the melodic charms and rhythmic energy of great smooth jazz, this disc is a one-stop shop. No surprise either, since its five principals -- all longtime studio and touring veterans -- first jammed as the support band behind Tim Weisberg, who knows a little something about the genre. While conceived as a democratic ensemble, it's saxman Vince Denham who takes charge most of the time, creating a variety of mood swings based on his approach or horn. He goes the bouncy and soulful route on the alto for the hooky laid-back funk of the opening track, "In a Dream," then gives Kenny G and his ilk a run for their sugary soprano money on the dreamy ballad title track. He draws more directly from Weisberg with a perky, then soaring flute melody on "Vista Corona." But don't get the idea that it's just Denham and Friends. Each tune offers solo sections for each member to strut their stuff, too. The title track features a warm piano solo by Karen Hammack, and guitarist Todd Robinson takes solo time to show his soft acoustic side (also the title track) and his screaming electric persona ("Ashton Strut.") Holding down the fort brilliantly -- especially on the bluesy funk jams -- is the rhythm section of Vernon Porter (bass, who also produced) and drummer Kendall Kay. Kay is solid, but he's often overshadowed by the nonstop energy of guest percussionist Lenny Castro. All genre releases of this year shall be heretofore compared to the standard set by this knock-out team. ~ Jonathan Widran, Rovi