Search - David Matthews :: Grand Cross

Early 80's Island Jazz - Check Out this Line-Up!

'Ders Reklaw | USA | 04/18/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This record features the best of the New York studio musicians: The Brecker Brothers with Dave Sanborn, and an incredible rhythm section featuring Larry Carlton and John Tropea on guitar, Marcus Miller on bass, and Steve Gadd on drums. Can you dig that? Seasoning is provided by Cliff Carter on synthesizers, Sammy Figueroa on percussion, and background vocals from Frank Floyd, Ullanda McCullough, and Yvonne Lewis. The leader, David Matthews, appears on electric piano. A prominent arranger in NYC, he is often forgotten in America except for his horn parts on classic James Brown records, and his contributions to more commercial records by Paul Simon, Billy Joel, and others.

An incredible band, no doubt. I gave it four stars because listeners looking at this line-up would be excited to hear them really stretch out together, but, while their are some fantastic solos - Larry Carlton and Michael Brecker are particularly great - the commercial production keeps everybody in line. Indeed, this record might necessarily fall within the "smooth jazz" genre; but if that is so, it is still an undenaiable record. The tracks consist of a lot of reggae grooves, and some other latin and island flavors, the tunes are kinda "catchy", and everybody sounds great. There's not an unpleasant moment on the record, but some listeners will wish that there were. An old favorite of mine though."