This four-letter verb means so many things to so many people.  It marks both the end and beginning of saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa’s new release as well as the title.  Play is his sixth release and is one of the most anticipated of the summer.  It’s packed with soaring sizzlers as well as deep soul ballads. Says Jeff, “They’re all part of my definition of Play: To be free; to engage in joyful activity.”  While Kashiwa is reunited with his band Costal Access, he still brings a couple of good friends along (Dave Kochanski, formerly of the Rippingtons, and saxophonist, keyboardist David Mann).  The soul of this release is the eight songs produced by Kashiwa which he credits recording on two inch tape.  This aspect enabled him to add a certain flavor to the mix. The results are a disc with a lot to offer.
 
Jeff begins simply by playing “Play!”  The 56-second prologue is just him up and down the saxophone.  It gives way to the punchy “The Lucky One.”  This is the one that’s going to catch you right away.  It incorporates Jeff’s positive persona that comes across in his stage presence.  This is another Kashiwa feel good song that makes you want to listen to it again and again.  “Movin’ Up” picks up the pace a little over its predecessors.  There’s a great blend of both sax and keys.  The chorus never tires and continues to build to a nice finale.  “Changes” is both methodical and layered in its approach.  The hook is set early with additional improve towards the middle to break it up a bit.  This one makes you feel good while moving to an accent ending.

Yellow Jackets keyboardist Russell Ferrante begins “New View” before giving way to Kashiwa’s sax.  The song has a bluesy club feel to it with nice solos from Ferrante and guitarist Greg Carmichael.  There’s a driving and building force behind “Forever.”  Both Lenny Castro and drummer Dave Hooper keep this one going at a nice pace, and Jeff’s sax continues to soar between choruses.  Its one of my favorites and I think you’ll like it as well.  There’s a sharp contrast between it and “Fall.”  Ferrante’s acoustic piano serves as a backdrop to the somber sax.  Chord progressions move this one along rather slowly like fallen leaves on a winding stream.

“One Good Turn” has a mischievous sound to it and must be a lot of fun to play.  Jeff even sounds to be pitted against himself in some parts.  The chorus is full and rich with an occasional tickling of the ivory by Ferrante once more.  The mood rises from a humble beginning with “Way Out West.”  A slow start gives way to climbing tenor, accented with touches of keyboard.  “Once Again” is about as bluesy as I’ve heard Jeff perform.  This one stands alone with his sax whaling a tune indicative of Beale Street.  We pick up the pace on “Remember When” that reminds me somewhat of the first couple of tracks.  Kashiwa’s sax is always uplifting and he always knows just the right progression to make you feel good.  This one’s no exception.  “So Many Ways” picks it right back up again with Jeff’s sax giving you a story-telling feel.  It has a nice pace, and is some of the best sax work yet.  “Play!  (Epilogue)” finishes the set with sax only closing with a bluesy ending.

Jeff Kashiwa continues to put out new gems every couple of years that make you feel good and carry over into a great live show.  He’s put together some nice ones here that I think you’ll like.  There’s several that I know you’ll be backing up to hear again.  If you do, then just push Play!

- Harvey Cline