Alan Hewitt has written songs for films, video games and television, and numerous other artists including Jonathan Bulter and Earth, Wind and Fire.  Stepping out on his own for his second smooth jazz project, Hewitt co-produced, wrote and arranged all the tracks on Metropolis except the Sly Stone classic, “Hot Fun In The Summertime.”

Metropolis is a very polished, cohesive, multi-layered album featuring Hewitt on piano, keys, and drums; Chad Wright on drums; Jervonny Collier on bass; Brian Price on guitar; Gerald Spikes on sax; Steve Madaio on trumpet; Wendell Kelly on trombone; Shea Chambers on vocals; and special guest, Steve Oliver, on guitar.

The project begins with the mood setting into, “Vibe” and moves right into the upbeat “Joyride” which is reminiscent of a drive up the California coast. Following that is “Velvet Kisses,” a beautiful, very mellow and gentle track.

Keeping things mellow but with a nice low-keyed groove, is the title track.  Hewitt gives us a very fresh, laidback version of Sly Stone’s “Hot Fun In The Summertime.”  With its great horn section and background vocals, Hewitt’s take on this one is one of the highlights of the project.

Picking up the pace is the fun, joyous and jazzy “Swingin’ On Sunset” – another track with a great horn section.  This one is an interesting blend of retro and contemporary grooves.

Slowing things back down is the cinematic, silky and ethereal “Liquid Blue,” followed by sultry and soulful, “So In Love” with its fantastic tenor sax playing by Gerald Spikes.  And featuring Spikes again on tenor sax is the very melodic R&B vibe of “Lost In Emotion.”  “Indigo” is a down-tempo yet funky and soulful… nice horns!

Closing things up is “Soleil” – featuring Steve Oliver.  There is a great chemistry between Oliver and Hewitt, making “Soleil” another highlight of the project and a great ending to a great CD.

- Elizabeth Ware