Search - Bobby Lyle :: Secret Island

Very pleasant music to take you away

P. Masuda | Encino, CA | 09/06/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As a keyboard player and teacher, my remarks reflect possibly

a slightly more technical angle and I hope it's helpful.

Bobby Lyle does indeed straddle the fence in many stylistic

directions, which can be a risky venture, but he manages to

keep it moving and interesting. There are touches of Spyrogyra

fusion, McCoy Tyner orchestral production, especially on the

title track, "Secret Island". In fact, between the sax and/or

the synthsizer doubling the acoustic piano parts, I sometimes

wondered if he borders on Chick Corea/Weather Report/Bob James

type fusion, veering very close to New Age. As much as this

album has the Latin & Caribbean island theme going, and as much

as this would be a great album on a cruise ship vacation,

Bobby is not as gifted a metaphorical musical storyteller as

Joe Sample. But he is a superb keyboard musician, and the

result definitely makes the album a successful venture.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that "St. Thomas" is a terrific

high tempo tune in which Bobby deftly demonstrates he indeed

has real jazz chops worthy of any pro musician's respect!

Every track is a worthwhile listen!"

Good smooth jazz with Caribbean overtones

P. Masuda | 06/29/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I got this CD years ago as part of a mail-order CD club. I had just gotten back from an excursion in the Caribbean and I was looking for music that would help capture that experience for me. This wasn't it.I was never into jazz, and after giving this disc a couple of spins, I stuck it away on my shelf. It came out every now and again, on summer days, especially. Over time I found that I was playing this CD more and more. The music is fresh and uplifting, and although it failed to capture the Caribbean for me, it is laced with some island rhythms and sounds, even a cover of Bob Marley's Jammin'. The music is tight and Bobby Lyles talent is readily apparent. I think the reason I didn't like it at first is that it wasn't what I was looking for at the time. After listening to the music for its own merits, I find that I really enjoy it. If I close my eyes while listening, images of sailing and intimate beach parties come to mind. I guess it does capture some of the Caribbean experience after all."

Spirit Lifting!!

P. Masuda | 08/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an album which is a touch more than smooth jazz. Bobby Lyles talent is shown here in abundance. The arrangements are beautifully melodic, bright and tight. A very uplifting album!"