Search - Eric Essix :: Southbound

Southern Comfort

Russell Diederich | Littleton, CO United States | 05/02/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Eric Essix takes his love for the southern sound and puts a touch of smooth jazz finger-work on it to create "Southbound". A mixture of covers and originals serve up nearly an hour of easy-listening enjoyment. According to Essix, this is the first in a series of explorations into the origin of the southern music that he grew up with.A good guitar player, Essix plays very simply, letting the spaces between the notes speak volumes. There is a lazy sound to him that reminds me of the South that he has dedicated this album to. He can rock out when he needs to, like on the cover of Stevie Wonder's "Have a Talk with God". He lays down a funky rhythm and good solos on Bobbie Gentry's "Ode to Billy Joe", and does a wonderful cover of one of my favorite songs, "People Get Ready," by Curtis Mayfield. The surprise on this album comes from saxophonist Melvin Butler. Butler's work is good, but he really stands out on the upbeat "Creole Strut" (one of Essix's five originals on the album) with a great solo that complements Essix's own. This is a great album for lazin' around on a Sunday afternoon when it's just too hot to do much of anything else. Essix's experiment of combining his jazz styling with the southern blues sound is a success."

Excellent CD for jazz / blues / smooth R&B lovers!

Gregory A. Platt | Birmingham,AL | 02/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is great! I live in Birmingham, AL. We are very proud of Eric! The music on this CD is great! Pick this up; I promise you won't be disappointed."

Lots of Heart

Gregory Edwards | Fremont, CA USA | 08/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Take a young Larry Carlton, add a bit of George Benson, and sprinkle in some Larry Coryell and you begin to hear the versatile of this guy. I picked up this album on a whim, and man I just love it. He has more heart in his little finger than many have in their whole being. His tone and playing are fine throughout. There is some excellent material here, like the hip "Camillia," or the catchy title track "Southbound." His ending solo on "Rainy Night in Georgia" will bring tears to your eyes. Eric, who wrote great liner notes, explains that he was raised in Birmingham Alabama and wanted to bring the blues of the south to this record. If you like great R & B style jazz, this album is highly recommended."