Peter White - Good Day (2009)

As well as being the United Kingdom’s most illustrious contemporary jazz export Peter White has created his own special place in the genre with a distinctive sound built entirely around rhythm and melody that is often embellished with touches of exciting production. Indeed, for almost twenty years White’s music has defined the essence of smooth jazz. However, although his previous releases, the 2006 ‘Playin Favorites’ and ‘Peter White Christmas’ that followed a year later, proved to be significant successes, his last all original CD was ‘Confidential’ in 2004. At the time I commented that it was his finest work to date but now he is back with the outstanding ‘Good Day’. Set for worldwide release on September 8 the album features ten all new self penned compositions plus significant production and performing input from the exceptional Philippe Saisse.
‘Good Day’ opens with the easy paced title track that could be used as a descriptor of how great smooth jazz should sound. Co-written by White and long time Euge Groove collaborator Mike Egizi it’s a tune that shimmers like light on water and is added to by the programming of DC who is best known for his work as part of Paul Brown’s formidable production team. Characterized by what could accurately be described as ‘the Peter White sound’ it is in the good company of ‘Just Give Me A Chance’ that seems all set to put a smile on the saddest of faces. The luscious horns, that come courtesy of Shannon Kennedy and Dan Savant, simply add to the warmth of the entire piece while in similar mood is the equally inviting ‘Bright’. Already racing up the charts of most played on smooth jazz radio this melodic cut has all the makings of a future Peter White classic and is in fact his tribute to the late Wayman Tisdale with whom he shared the stage several times.