Search - Sadao Watanabe :: Morning Island

With Dave Grusin's arrangement, this is the best.

08/28/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I still remember my experience when I first listened to "Morning island" through the TV-CM of Shiseido, a Japanese cosmetic company, which was broadcasted in Japan about 20 years ago. "What is this lovely and smooth melody with the unheard but perfect rhythm section?" Of couse, the song was recorded with the perfect combination:Sadao Watanabe (composer and player), Dave Grusin (arranger and keyboardist), Steve Gadd (Drum), Eric Gale (Guiter), and others. This album is one of Dave Grusin's arrangement cycles including "My dear life," "California shower," and "Orange express." But I think that this is the best among these four. For those who like early Spyro Gyra who must have listened to these albums, it is not wise not to listen this album. Besides the beautiful melody, I was shocked by the intricate drum play by Steve Gadd who must be blessed by the God. Grusin's keybord plays are not so heavy but lovely and perfectly matched with the rhythm section. I think that unless you are really addicted to heavy and sweaty music, you love this CD, especially the first song. You also want to bring this CD to any resort places."