It’s been a long four year absence for this Houston native, but Everette Harp makes up for lost time with his latest release All For You.  He’s joined this time out by George Duke, Earl Klugh, Paul Jackson Jr., Norman Brown and Dwight Sills.  That in itself should get your interest level high.  Harp, who plays his solos as if it were his last, delivers with the energy that makes him so popular in the concert setting.

"Kisses Don’t Lie" is a funky little number that plays off the background guitar riffs of David Barry. Tessa Harp joins in on the vocals during the chorus, and you get the message right away of the song’s title as it remains in your self conscious.  Everette’s playing here is infectious, as he interacts with the band to serve a resounding opening number.  "Back In Your Arms" slows the pace down a little as he brings in the EWI and alto. Keyboardist John Biasucci mixes his Rhodes in with the sax for great interaction, serving as both lead and back drop for this loves song.  Dwight Sills is brought in for guitar.

"Hey Yeh" is a interaction of Everette’s alto and Dwight Sills' guitar.  There’s some great sax work here as well as background vocals by Harp.  Listen for a coexistence of the two artists as they mirror the same notes until breakout solos by Jackson and Harp finish the number on a resounding high note.  "Just Like Ole Time’s" features Kansas City native Norman Brown on guitar for a snappy little number that you’re going to like right from the start.  Brown brings some good work here and is accented by the play of both Harp and Paul Jackson Jr. again. The hook gets set, and you’ll be bopping right off.  This is one you’re going to hear on the airwaves before too long.  "When Can I See You Again" is a remake of the Babyface hit from a few years ago.  This is all Everette, and he does the keyboard /drum programming, as well as the background vocals.  It’s very impressive when you think about it.

"Time Of Our Lives" is a little vocal number featuring Everette’s singing ability.  "Can You Hear Me" is a cool little number that features more of Harps alto than many of the other artist here.  Just listening to this one makes me wonder why it’s taken so long for him to be back with new material, so it is good to "hear him."  "Groove Control" brings the pace back up with some good licks from Harp as well as some funk from George Duke.  Howard Hewitt’s vocals are a good addition.  "I Remember When" is a collaboration of all stars that predominately features Earl Klugh on acoustic guitar.  This is a David Kochansky (former Rippington’s keyboardist) number that has him on the drum programming as well as George Duke on piano and Paul Jackson Jr. on rhythm guitar.  Harp’s tenor sax soars and is his best work on the disc.  Klugh adds a nice touch as they play off each other until the end.  Without a doubt, this is my favorite song.  "InThe Blink Of An Eye" is the closing number that slows the pace down somewhat, and features Harp on soprano for the first time.  He’s just as much at home with the soprano as he is with the alto.

Overall this release from Everette is very good, and well worth the wait.  There’s an excellent mix of up tempo and slower songs as well as great mix of guests that will make this a favorite for a long time.  After all, it’s All For You.

H.A. Cline