Search - Michael Lington :: Heat

Fresh and sensual.

jazz_in_my_gloves | Washington, D.C. | 12/19/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Heat" is the album # 8 from the Danish born Smooth Jazz saxophonist, whose approach owes something to Grover at times.



A bunch of some of the big names in Contemporary Jazz such as renowned keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, producer Keith Olsen, guitarists Michael Thompson and Kim Pierce, bassists Nathan East and Neal Stubenhaus , and drummers Teddy Campbell and Vinnie Colaiuta lend a hand to the sax master, who introduces two rising female vocalists, U.K. born Keely Hawkes and Nashville based Janie Clewer.

Keyboardists Brian Culbertson and brothers Danny and Michael Sembello also join in.



The clever album taps into the current vogue for Soul/ contemporary jazz music, ranging from infectiously jaunty tracks, through fast, tight funky shuffles to mellow ballads, all perfect vehicles for a distintive sax to deliver some good stuff.



Subtly funky grooves such as "Chuva", with its authentic brazilian sound thanks to Torquato Mariano's touch and "Shout About Ya" and the title song breeze along brightly.



Try also the a rock-edged version of Gerry Rafferty's classic "Baker Street", featuring former American Idol finalist Ace Young and the soft number "Ladyland", along with a much funkier mix such as "Ocean Drive" (wow, can you feel the vibe of South Beach?) or "Memphis".



There are two excellent slow/mid-tempo vocal tracks "That's When You Save Me", featuring legendary vocalist Aaron Neville, and "Angelina".



The beautiful "Nostalgia" closes brilliantly Michael's offering, one of his best ones.



The production is a of a quality that belies the fact that is an independent CD.

My favourte tracks are: "Chuva", "Ladyland" and "Ocean Drive".



The album debuts at # 16 of The Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz.

Enjoy !"

Great CD

RFL | NY | 12/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Michael Lington's best effort to date, in my opinion. A variety of up tempo and smooth sax. Check out cut #6, "Memphis". Terrific guitar sax & guitar rifs. You won't be disappointed in this body of work. Buy it!!"