Category Archives: CD Reviews

Reviews of CDs that came across the SmoothViews desk that we think are worth a listen.

Lebron – New Era

Saxophonist Lebron Dennis (Lebron) has released his second offering on the Trippin N Rhythm label, and has a lot to show this time out. Surrounded by a host of great…

Al Jarreau – My Old Friend – Celebrating George Duke

“There are times when you find a piece of music written by somebody else and you just get swept away by what they were saying in the song. Very often…

Style Meets Substance – Marcus Anderson

On Style Meets Substance Marcus Anderson has done something that few artists have managed to pull off. He has created an album that is fresh and thrilling without completely jumping…

Rick Braun – Can You Feel It

After taking a two album break from the music that has defined the sound of Rick Braun and put him at the top of the trumpet game for so long,…

Jackiem Joyner – Evolve

Saxophonist Jackiem Joyner recently released Evolve, his 5th CD. Joyner wrote and produced all 11 songs on his latest project. He calls this CD Evolve because it is a reflection…

Mindi Abair – Wild Heart

Somebody finally did it. In a world where musicians who have had a taste of airplay chart success seem to feel a gravitational pull toward the soundalike safety zone and…

Nick Colionne – Influences

This has been a difficult time for guitarist, Nick Colionne.  As you already know, last November, Nick lost his long time manager and partner, Carol Ray.  Carol lived for Nick’s…

Michael Lington’s Soul Appeal

Michael Lington has just released his highly anticipated eighth studio album, which takes on a totally new sound for the sax player.  Soul Appeal, a funky mix of jazz, soul,…

Will Donato – Universal Groove

Funky, fierce and energized – that’s the Universal Groove that Will Donato is laying down in his fifth solo release. It’s a set of songs that will move you from…