Talented up-and-coming guitarist Steve Briody makes a splash in the pool of smooth jazz guitar CD’s with his second album, Keep On Talkin’.  Although this is his second solo release as an independent artist, it marks his debut with 215 Records.  On all 10 of the original tunes he wrote for this album, Briody plays in a classic smooth jazz style, rich with melodies and catchy hooks.  There’s no doubt that he hails from the Chuck Loeb School of guitar and is clearly influenced by his sound.  Rippingtons keyboardist Bill Heller does double duty as both a musician and producer of this CD.

The opening track, “Skip It,” features Briody on guitar, accompanied by Eric Marienthal on sax.  It has a catchy, upbeat melody and serves as a good introduction to his playing style.  The next track, “Footsteps,” features Greg Adams on muted trumpet alongside Briody.  The fact that he chose to use a trumpet as the accent as opposed to the standard smooth jazz sax gives this tune a little more heft to it.  It allows Briody to go a little deeper into his playing, as opposed to the lighter style of the first track.

“Whiz Kid” features the great Jeff Lorber on keys working it out as they play together as well as trade off one another’s playing.

Steve brings the tempo down with “Not far from Home,” which is a mellow and thoughtful tune, very easy to listen to and appreciate.  “On a Sunday Afternoon” is just how you’d imagine a song about a Sunday afternoon to be – laid back, easy going, and smooth.

Any of these songs would do well on most smooth jazz radio play lists.  In another place and time, I’d say I’m surprised these songs aren’t being played on a wider commercial scale.

Overall, I enjoyed discovering Steve Briody and his music.  If you like smooth jazz guitar, you’ll definitely like this CD as well.

- Mary Bentley