Search - Doc Powell :: Doc Powell

Something for Everybody!

Sherman L. Dantzler | Grand Blanc, MI United States | 09/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On this project Guitarist Doc Powell has something for everybody! He brings R & B and Rock flavors to the jazz table mixing sexy soulful melodies, with some smooth funky grooves. In a Wes Montgomery like fashion Doc formulates a blend of old school and new school so that a variety of jazz lovers could enjoy this CD.



Selection wise he gives us a double version of Carole King's `It's Too Late'. The first version is a nice duet between his Guitar and Kirk Whalum on Tenor Sax with Brian Culbertson complementing them on the Piano perfectly. It is reminiscent of Johnny Hammond's 1971 version on Organ with Hank Crawford, Grover Washington Jr. on Sax and Eric Gale on Guitar working in perfect harmony. The unplugged version is all Guitar and Bass featuring more of the background vocals from Faith Anderson and a soft percussion flow from Pablo Batista. Same song but each version is quite unique. Keyboardist Bobby Lyle adds some Latin flavor to the project on `Me, Myself & Rio.' Doc gets seductive and romantic on the ballads, `Let Go,' and `Together We Can'. Take note of the sexy slow-jam, `Hip Pocket,' the funky sound of, `Hey,' and the groovilishes tune, `Another Place And Time'. This CD is "Doc Powell" and he truly has something for everybody! ~the JazzeOne

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Smoothjazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 08/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the finest guitars to ever grace Smooth Jazz... The Grammy-nominated artist is a guitar player's guitarist. His playing is not only smooth, but it is equally deep, moving and powerful. His self-titled release on Heads Up (his 10th solo project) is no exception with its sensual blend of electric and acoustic guitars infusing jazz with funk, R&B and pop. The New York native has been playing guitar since he was 6... By the time he was a teenager, he was recording and performing. In his 20s, Doc was Wilson Pickett's music director. His illustrious career has joined him with Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, and Teddy Pendergrass. DOC POWELL (the album) features stellar performances by Bobby Lyle, Kirk Whalum, and Brian Culbterson. Doc Powell (the composer) came up with the ideas for the new release out on the road touring, during long bus rides, in backstage areas, and in hotel rooms across the country. Doc Powell (the guitarist) says, "I think what makes this record special is that it reveals two sides of myself as a guitarist, I've been playing the Martin guitar for the past five years, and it's got a voice and tone that is more true to a classical guitar sound, and I really wanted to capture that quality on the record." First to hit the airwaves is the cool cover of "It's Too Late." This CD is loaded with radio-friendly tracks, we're sure it will be around a long while after making its first splash this summer. ~ SANDY SHORE"

A non-professional's view - DP only gets better

G. Bates | Rockford, IL USA | 10/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was late buying tis CD. I purchased it to round out a $25 free shippiing order. Now to the music. Why did it take so long to purchase. I heard the title track on XM "Too Late" and loved it. Doesn't hurt that the Kirk Whalum sax accompanies DP and that is always a plus for me. However, this CD is what makes me happy that artists still release a CD and call it a project. See Doc's own comments above.



Every track is unique and features both acoustic and elctric guitars with different rythms etc. Any guitar fan should definitely own this and a Doc fan will probably rate this in his top 3 releases."