Urban Knights: The Chicago Preject (2002)

The Urban Knights is an all-star smooth jazz band which features one of the jazz greats, pianist Ramsey Lewis. Their first self-titled debut album in 1995 included prominent musicians Grover Washington, Jr., Omar Hakim, Victor Bailey and the Emotions to name a few. Other great musicians have collaborated throughout the years with the Urban Knights such as Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire), Gerald Albright, Najee, Jonathan Butler, Norman Brown, Dave Koz, Fareed Haque, and Earl Klugh. In 2000, Urban Knights III, was the supergroup's first album for the Narada label out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The most surprising aspect of this CD and its focus on three Windy City musicians is the ease in which critically acclaimed jazz and world-music guitarist Fareed Haque slips into the smooth-jazz genre. Like French guitarist Marc Antoine, Haque adds a definite international flair to this date, including sitar sounds over hip-hop grooves on "Bombay Streets," and monster flamenco chops on "Myths and Legends" and "A Place in Time." Two of the best things about the Urban Knights IV album, trumpeter Ron Haynes and keyboard wiz Kevin Randolph, are the other soloists here, with the latter having a firmer stamp on these proceedings. Cut out of the Ramsey Lewis/Jeff Lorber '70s keyboard mode, Randolph's playing highlights the funky mix of old-school style with 21st-century beats that sets the contemporary jazz scene in Chicago apart from other sounds. His groove is always steady and he stands out even when the spotlight is on his band mates. Haynes, best known for his stint with the Chicago acid-jazz group Liquid Soul, is much more subdued with this group, which is just the right speed for smooth jazz and this heavily sequenced but enjoyable production. --Mark Ruffin

Personnel

Keith Henderson - guitar

Buddy Fambro - guitar

Calvin Rogers - drums

Sharay Reed - bass

Alejo Poveda - percussion

John Janowiak - trumpet

Mars Williams - saxophone

Devo from Da-lema - rap on Always

Lambert Waldrip - programming

Brian Sledge - background vocals
Scooter - background vocals
Tracklist
1. That Girl
2. A Place In Time
3. All The Way
4. Three's Company
5. Myths And Legends
6. On The Block
7. Always (Instrumental)
8. Bombay Streets
9. Tight Rope
10. Keep It Real
11. Always
Urban Knights Presents: The Chicago Project
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Stanley Clarke: Live (1976-1977) (1991)

Stanley Clarke is simply the greatest bassist to have ever graced the earth with his presence. There are many other great ones (Manring, Wooten, Hamm, Jaco, etc.) but one thing that separates Stanley from the others is his compositional skills. The disc doesn't have a version of his suites but it captures all of the diversity that Stanley and his bandmates unleash during a show. The opener is "School Days". The form is the same as on the disc of the same name but live it is taken to another energy level. Ray Gomez lets loose and then Stanley defies the physical limitations that a person has. The speed and clarity is unreal. Then he cuts loose with some slap. The horn section gives this song even more power. More of Stanley's ability to bring out the funk are "Lopsy-Lu" and "Silly Putty". Anyone that plays bass should take notes on how the instrument should be played. The bass lines on these songs are two lessons in how to be funky. Stanley grooves on both tunes and the horn section is present again on "Silly Putty". "Lopsy Lu" finds Stanley exchanging fours with his bandmates. There is also an example of Clarke's acoustic grace on "Bass Folk Song". The piece is a duet with Stanley and his keyboardist. No one can play the upright like Stanley can. The same virtuosity that he displays on electric bass he has on an acoustic. The ability to play electric and acoustic with equal awe inspiration is another thing that separates Stanley from the rest. Also included on the disc are two RTF covers. "Dayride" features Jerry Brown on drums. "The Magician" is the other RTF tune and although the tune lacks Dimeola it is still phenomenal. No one has taken Jazz/Rock/ Funk/Fusion to greater heights than Stanley. His writing is a refection of his schooling and his Coltanesque sheets-of-sound bass technique is a revelation. The bottom line is this. If you are a bass player or you appreciate anyone that can take their instrument to unmatched heights then get this. It is the greatest one from the greatest one.

Tracklist

01. School Days

02. Lopsy Lu
03. Quiet Afternoon
04. Silly Putty
05. Dayride
06. Bass Folk Song No. 3
07. The Magician
08. Desert Song
09. Vulcan Princess
Live 1976-1977
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Wojtek Pilichowski: Fair of Noise (2010)

Last effort of Polsh jazz-rock and funk bass player Wojtek Pilichowski. Vocal mix of rock, rhythmic funk and jazz compositions, which are an interesting mix for unprejudiced listeners.

Tracklist:
1. Intro
2. Pan Bałwan
3. Awariat
4. Meat Ball
5. Skradaj
6. Fair Of Noise
7. Szemrany kawałek
8. Posto (Duet na Wschodniej)
9. Ludzie
10. Kac Vegas
11. Niemilknący szept
12. Superstition
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B.D.Lenz: Lost and Found (2000)

New Jersey-based guitarist B.D. Lenz writes tightly arranged charts in a fusion style reminiscent of Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, and Mike Stern. Containing elements of funk, R&B, rock, and Latin, Lenz's music is palatable but not especially distinctive. His solos, however, are fluid and interesting; his tone is clean and full bodied. And his band is on the money. Geoff Mattoon contributes strong tenor and soprano sax work throughout. Keyboardist Daniel Mintseris, electric bassist James Rosocha, and drummer Tom Cottone are the other core players. Making guest appearances are acoustic bassist Ron Velosky, drummers Brendan Buckley and Greg Federico, and percussionist Joe Mekler. Some of the highlights include Rosocha's bass solo on "Lazy Bones," Lenz's ferocious solo on "Grandma Rosocha," and the 5/4 riffs of "Primitive." ~ David R. Adler, All Music Guide

Hailed as one of the top 20 "Up and Coming" jazz musicians of New Jersey by the Newark Star-Ledger, and recently featured in the New York Times, guitarist B.D. Lenz leads an original band which has best been described as "a spirited mixture of sounds in the contemporary vein, ranging from the sprightly to the hard-wailing" (Curt Yeske - The Trenton Times). His music is groovin', melodic, and fully showcases his compositional skills as will as improvisational. The writing has often been compared to a cross of Pat Metheny and Mike Stern and yet still sounds his own.

Lenz has released two independent CD's of his original jazz/funk beginning with 'Tell The World' in 1997 and followed up with 'Lost & Found' in 2000. His third release entitled 'Simple Life' was released in April 2003 on Apria Records. This high-energy ensemble has performed rigorously throughout the US for TV, radio, festivals, clubs, cafe's, bookstores, etc. Noteworthy appearances include: Panasonic Village Jazz Festivals (NYC) EAT'M Showcase (Las Vegas), Black Dog Jazz Festival (VA), Central PA Festival of the Arts (PA), NJPAC Summer Concert Series (NJ), House of J&B (IN), and the Westfield Jazz Festivals (NJ) to name a few.

Tracklist

1. Leaving the Ground

2. As If

3. Lazy Bones

4. Wishing You Well

5. Primitive

6. Grandma Rosocha

7. Truth Be Told, The

8. Hot Spot

9. Lost and Found

Lost & Found
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Bob James: Restless (1994)

Less instrusive than real jazz but more energetic than new age, simply constructed but exquisitely performed, James' pop confections are the perfect background music. On this album, James favors acoustic piano over synthesizers (though he uses both) and he employs a shifting cast of supporting musicians. His daughter Hillary James is the sweet-voiced if predictable lead singer on the wispy ballad, "Storm Warning." She joins Luther Vandross for the harmony vocals buried in the mix on "Under Me." Michael Brecker plays strong but simplistic tenor sax lines on that and two other songs. Titles like "Lotus Leaves," "Back to Bali" and "Awaken Us to the Blue" are meant to conjure up a certain romanticism, but they seem no more exotic than airline ads on TV. --Geoffrey Himes

Tracklist

1. Lotus Leaves (6:00)

2. Under Me (5:09)
3. Restless (6:58)
4. Kissing Cross (6:19)
5. Storm Warning (4:05)
6. Animal Dreams (5:34)
7. Back To Bali (7:58)
8. Into The Light (6:30)
9. Serenissima (6:05)
10. Awaken Us To The Blue (5:42)
Restless
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Martijn Van Iterson: It's Happening (1998)

...On "It's Happening" Martijn plays melodic jazzfusion in a layed back manner. Great compositions that keep on getting better... Accompanied by some of the best Dutch musicians, they form an incredible tight formation. Great soundquality also.

Tracklist
01. It's Happening
02. Cool
03. Something Special
04. Rose With A Nose
05. Indianapolis
06. Strings Attached
07. Some Keys
08. Can't Hear You
09. What's It Gonna Be
10. A Cup Of Tea
Personnel
Martijn van Iterson - electric guitar
Peter Tiehuis - electric guitar
Toon Roos - saxophone
Karel Boehlee - keyboards
Martin Verdonk - percussion
Michel van Schie - electric bass
Vanski - drums
Support the artst! Buy his albums!
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Kim Waters: Love Stories (2010)

With a string of #1 Smooth Jazz radio hits and 20 years at the top of the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts, saxophonist Kim Waters is adored by his legions of fans. With his new CD "Love Stories," Kim again claims the top spot as a true Smooth Jazz superstar. As a special treat, the great R&B vocalist Kenny Lattimore joins Kim on the title track "Love Story." The romantic theme continues with the heartfelt Waters originals "In My Dreams" and "'Til Tomorrow." And no love story is complete without a little bit of funk, and "Bump," another Waters original, is the perfect choice.

Tracklist

1 Love Story Buy Buy Buy

2 For Lovers Only Buy Buy Buy

3 Song of Passion Buy Buy Buy
4 One More… (Ft. Kenny Lattimore) Buy Buy
5 Reaching Out Buy Buy Buy
6 This Is It Buy Buy Buy
7 Hangin' Out Buy Buy Buy
8 Love Don't Live Here Anymore Buy Buy Buy
9 Beyond the Horizon Buy Buy Buy
10 Deep In Love
Love Stories
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