A splash of Bob James!
smoothjazzandmore | Clay, NY USA | 11/02/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The father and son duo hail from Toledo, Ohio and this is their first CD release. They asked me to listen to their samples off the CD Baby website. Immediately, their music reminded me of the songbook of Bob James. The comparisons are clear on the track, "Jazmine" as it sounds much like his "Touchdown" CD. There are also fusion jazz inspirations from Herbie Hancock on the track titled appropriately, "Mr. Herbie". The production value is smooth and the arrangements are solid. All tracks are under 5 minutes, which gives the listeners enough great music to enjoy. I really enjoyed the CD as this is a hidden gem.
"
The freshest smooth jazz album to pass by in a long time!!
Dick Fairchild | 10/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I really don't know where to start when talking about this album. There are so many good tracks that it's almost impossible to pick a favorite. From the gentleness of Janie to the jazzy style of Jazmine to the funky sound of Appointment in Samarra.....this album has it all.
All instruments are played by Johnny and Sammy which is quite an accomplishment in itself. There are 3 tracks that have Scott Kretzer sitting in on drums and handling the percussion, but the rest is theirs. We featured Jazmine and the title track Off my Rocker on our live Jazz in the City radio show. They were very well received.
The track Mulholland Drive is one that you really can't call a cover. I remember the Bryan Savage version (that was composed by Rick Braun) and this didn't sound anything like it. The original was written in 1945 by Andre Previn and every artist that has recorded it since has put their own spin on the music. Johnny and Sammy are no exception. I like what they've done with it and how it displays originality in producing a very tasty composition of a tune that was born in the big band era.
Off My Rocker! is a very clean sounding album. Johnny is not a player who is all over the fretboard, but make no mistake, he plays with direction. He makes you feel he knows where he's going and wants to take you with him. An example of that is the track Mr. Herbie which is a tribute to Herbie Hancock. This track above all others really reaches beyond the structured smooth jazz style to a more main stream jazz flavor. It keeps the drummer Scott Kretzer very busy.
I can't say enough good things about this album. It's one of the most refreshing cds to pass our way in a long time.
"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1