Hard to believe that this is his sixteenth release, but the always working, always performing guitarist releases ten more gems that are sure to please most jazz fans. The opening number is a mid-tempo piece that shows Navarro’s skill on his instrument. Entitled “You Are Everything,” this is a nice one to start the album off with. There is a haunting story line that continues to repeat, and will have you bopping before it is over. “You Did It Again” slows the pace down a little and adds spice with Rob Holmes soprano sax. Navarro inserts some nice punch with guitar. “Glass Dolphins” is a John Klemmer tune that Navarro pulls off beautifully. One can hear the droplets of notes as keyboardist Jay Rowe provides the background for Navarro’s guitar. They both mix well into a nice finishing touch. “Stoned Soul Picnic” is a remake of Laura Nyro’s classic. Navarro doesn’t disappoint here and jazzes up this remake with some good licks that makes this one seem new again.

“Love Coloured Soul” is the title track. There’s a continuous theme here that features a little bit of keyboards and percussion in this running melody. “Breathe” is one of my favorites on the disc as the tempo is turned up a bit, and Kevin Prince’s percussion can be heard as a driving force through out. Navarro’s guitar seems to always be climbing as they reach a pinnacle at the end. “Parallel Lives” captures Holmes soprano once again, and the haunting refrain of Navarro’s acoustic. Ken performs some good solo work here and shows why he’s such a fan favorite. “Gentle Soul” is a soft melodic composition with an intro of sax and keyboard, followed by Navarro on acoustic. The soprano intertwines throughout with guitar for a nice finish. “Let It Go” begins with the premise of an up-tempo number before falling back into a laidback one that features Holmes again, and some good playing by Navarro. Finally, “Summer of Love” closes the set as an introspective look at the thing we’ve all felt from time to time. Navarro’s guitar is a good contrast to Jay Rowe’s electric piano.

Overall, Navarro’s fans won’t be disappointed in this release, and if you’ve never listened to this guitarist, you’re probably long past due. This is “love coloured soul”, and the color is just fine.

H. A. Cline