You may not know his name, but chances are if you’ve purchased any smooth jazz or R&B music in the last couple of years, you’ve heard Al “The Burner” Turner play.  Al, an experienced sideman, takes his bass and moves front and center and offers a mix of funky grooves, easy melodies, and R&B flavors. 

The first song, “Stop Watch,” features Everette Harp on the soprano sax.  Al thumps his bass and trades licks with Harp.  Together they turn this song into a toe-tapping groove fest.  “I’ll Follow You” is an easier, more laid back kind of a melody.  It features Randy Scott on saxophone.  His playing effortlessly compliments Turner’s bass.  With this song, the bass becomes the voice and it’s almost as if Turner is making it sing on this track.  On “Movin,’” Al shows how he earned his nickname and shows off just a little bit of the burn with some of his bass work.

There are several vocal tunes on this CD, and Al slips back into the sideman mode to let the vocalists take center stage.

Earl Klugh is not only the inspiration for “Te Queiro,” but he is featured on it as well.  Turner and Klugh play off one another like the pros that they are.  This song is smooth, mellow, and easily my favorite of the CD.  “Dreamin’” and “Paradise” are also two solid smooth jazz tunes which highlight Turner’s easy going style; both very easy tracks to listen to and enjoy.

Al Turner has been a part of this musical community for many years.  He’s backed some of the best musicians in the business.  With his first solo CD, now they get to back him.  Al Turner knows It’s Good to Have Friends – talented friends.

- Mary Bentley