Search - Sadao Watanabe :: Front Seat

Front Seat

Ben | Memphis Tennessee | 08/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sadao shows outstanding desire in the wonderfull trip into the land of Jazz. The Album is far and away the best collection of love to ever be pressed. I always feel as if a child and the music starts out slow and the listener grows up to love and decision in song. I feel the glow of being the child in the backseat that one day get his wish to be a frontseat passagner, To put itbluntly, For this Music I would happily ride in the middle. Pick up Front seat and own the best pure jazz on the planet."

Smooth, relaxing jazz!

Bradley Kelso | Vista, CA | 02/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 1989 release was playing on the PA system in a theater I was working at In San Marcos, CA. It was so good I stole it out of the tape deck and it has been one of my favorites ever since. It will be one of your favorites too. "Sailing", "Frint Seat", "Any Other Fool" and the somber "Wild Flowers" are some of the most intimate jazz recordings ever. Which is saying a lot because I didn't get this release until 1992. If you are looking for quality jazz that can soothe you and relax you after a hectic day, this one is for you."

Relax To Smooth-Jazz Sax

Beverly Praiswater | 05/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Highly overlooked due to what some consider inconsistent albums that range from bop to pop, Sadao Watanabe is one of the jazz geniuses, especially in Japan. This cd is one of his best pop-type recordings. All songs are written by Sadao with the exception of the ones that feature vocals: one that was a duel collaboration with Robbie Buchanan and one other that was penned by Robbie Buchanan and Diane Warren.



"Sailing" is a gentle smooth-jazz type song. This song and the next one was produced by George Duke, who knows all there is to know about pop/r&b/jazz. "One More Time" is Sadao's opportunity to prove how funky he can be on the alto sax. "Only In My Mind" is the only song on the cd that features Sadao playing soprano sax. A rare treat is a vocal from the gorgeous Patti Austin. Ditto for "Any Other Fool" which again features a fabulous vocal from the great Patti Austin. So brilliant, it deserved to be (but sadly wasn't) released as a single for both Patti and Sadao. "On The Way" features a guitar solo from the extraordinary Paul Jackson Jr., who appears on many of the songs. There is also a fine keyboard solo from Robbie Buchanan. Robbie produced several songs on the album. He is a gifted songwriter, penning the vocal numbers for Patti Austin on this cd. To his credit he has written songs sung by Peabo Bryson, Laura Brannigan, Dusty Springfield, Barbra Streisand, Selena, Engelbert Humperdinck, Al Jarreau, and Amy Grant (to name a few). "Anga La Jua" has a Latin flavor with a pinch of funk thrown in. Sadao is hot on this one! "Wild Flowers" is a beautiful, sensuous song that is calming to the soul. Russell Ferrante (well-known in the jazz world) plays the keyboards on this song. The last two numbers, "Front Seat" and "Takin' Time" are smooth jazz, easy listening genre.



Originally released in 1989 (and I have had my copy since that date) this cd is out of print. For those who enjoy Sadao's pop albums and/or for those who enjoy an excellent smooth jazz cd, get this one while there are still a few available. It is a rare and overlooked work that you will love."