One of the best contemporary jazz keyboardists of our time, Spyro Gyra’s Tom Schuman, brings us his third solo project, Deep Chill - a nice blend of familiar and original, smooth and contemporary, upbeat/funky and slow/romantic tracks. And along with Tom’s considerable musical skills, Jeff Kashiwa, Peter White and Chuck Loeb add their talents to the mix.

Schuman kicks off Deep Chill with the funky and fun “Fearless Fostic” which features Jeff Kashiwa on alto sax.  Following that is the smooth cover of El DeBarge’s “All This Love” which features Peter White’s unmistakable guitar work. Next is another original track, “Coming Attraction,” a nice contemporary jazz piece that would fit nicely on a Spyro record.  Jeff Kashiwa is again featured here on tenor and soprano sax.

Schuman’s soulful take on the Elton John classic, “Your Song” is one of the highlights of the CD.  “Everybody Knows” is an interesting mix of chill and R&B, featuring Angei on vocal improv, that works quite nicely.  Schuman brings back the sweet and gentle “Quality Time,” previously released on his Into Your Heart CD.  Schuman moves back into chill arena with “Habla Serio.”  This lightly Latin flavored, upbeat track is what my husband refers to as “great traveling music.” 

Jeff Kashiwa’s beautiful, longing, soprano sax is the highlight of the moody and romantic, “Y B Lonely.” Chuck Loeb is featured on the jazzy “Redondo Beach.”  “Pleasure and Pain” is perhaps one of the most intriguing tracks on the CD with its mix of funky bass, progressive keyboards, and a touch of chill.  “More Than Just Love” brings in the steamy, slow R&B groove, featuring Angei on vocals.  And perhaps saving the best until last, Schuman closes the CD with the very fun, funky and soulful “Until You Come Back To Me.” If you aren’t moving to this one, check your pulse.

Pick up a copy.  You’ll be glad you did.

- Elizabeth Ware