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In-Flyte with Darrel Scott


October 2002

Darrell is the host of "Jazzflyte", the Cleveland, Ohio-based Smooth Jazz television magazine (currently on hiatus), and an exceptional voice-talent, with one of the most distinctive broadcast voices in that market, and can be heard in various commercial advertisements in that region.

He has over 25 years of broadcasting experience, beginning in 1977 at WJMO, where Darrell was the first host of Cleveland's "Quiet Storm".  His move to WABQ, though, is where he began his love of Jazz.

While at "The Q", Darrell was the afternoon drive air personality for "Soft Soul and All That Jazz" and had the good fortune to interview many of the artists - Herbie Hancock, Roy Ayers and Stanley Turrentine, to list a few - who are responsible for the development of the music stylings we now know as Jazz Fusion, Techno-Jazz, Caribbean Jazz and the genre we embrace today--  Contemporary/Smooth Jazz.

Darrell continued the tradition when asked to host "JazzFlyte 108" at the city's first Urban Contemporary Jazz station - WDMT, where, for the next seven years, JazzFlyte was one of the most popular and successful programs in Cleveland radio.  With JazzFlyte, he kept his Cleveland-area audiences up-to-date with new music releases, artist info - including rising stars, and "What's Happening… Where to Go… What to Do" for the best in Jazz in Cleveland.  Scott later moved on to WDOK, where in the tradition of "JazzFlyte", he hosted "New Horizons".

We call this segment, "In Flyte" - because Darrell will take you soaring on a musical journey in the discovery of all that's good in the genre.   Darrel looks forward to helping readers expand their music libraries as a contributing writer and "Smooth Notes and News" feels Darrel's exceptional talents and creativity will enlighten and stimulate readers - making him a uniquely qualified asset to our team.


New & Recent Releases

Smooth Jazz - The Best of Native Language Vol. 1
Al Jarreau - All I Got
Lee Ritenour - Rit's House
Bob Baldwin  - Standing Tall
Pieces of a Dream - Love's Silhouette

Concert Review

Nelson Rangell at Chene Park
                                                 


Smooth Jazz - The Best of Native Language Vol. 1                           


If you have visited your favorite record store lately you may have noticed there are a few CDs on the shelves that are what I will call "Label Compilations". What these recordings present is- an opportunity for us, the listening public to sample the artists on a particular label. It's actually a pretty good idea, if you think about it. You get to sample at least one of the best tracks from several different artists.

Of the latest examples is a compilation of 10 cuts from the Native Language- one of the hottest labels in the genre today.  It is a reflection of the stable's first five years, and represents the tenacity and talents of its' founders, Theo Bishop and Joe Sherbanee, and the quality roster of gifted musicians including Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Oliver, Eric Benton and Theo Bishop, who have joined the family… it is "a snapshot of the growing years…"


Each one has placed a prominent track on this disc. This disc opens up with Oliver's instrumental version of "Show Me Love", the runaway hit from his newest release "Positive Energy", on which he is joined by Tom Schuman, Dave Kochanski, Melvin Davis and Brandon Fields. Oliver's guitar is stirring and exciting. The song has a certain groove seems to be Latin influenced. Up next is Jeff Kashiwa, with a predictable hit, "Voices" from his new release "Simple Truth", produced by Chuck Loeb and recorded and mixed in Bonn, Germany this past Spring.  A kick-@#$ tune that features the 2 Daves - (Kochanski and Hooper) and Allan Hinds.

Joe Sherbanee, who doubles as Label President, drops in with "Big City".  "Big City" is funky with a strong guitar solo from Marc Antoine. This is a tune for the car.  As you're sitting in rush hour traffic, it will clear your head and provide you with some vim and vigor.

You'll definitely have to check out Theo Bishop's "Off the Cuff", from his upcoming Native Language (yet untitled) Spring 2003 release.  Bishop's keyboard work is slick and stylish.  Theo is a young lion that will soon roar very loudly on the smooth jazz scene. Then there is Eric Benton's "Prelude #1 Allegro Solemne". It is charming yet refreshing.

The surprise gift on this disc is Tony Guerrero cut "If I Could Have It All".  The trumpet and flugelhorn playing command the attention for the clean, crisp, airy and tenured delivery by so young a talent.  Mellow in all the right places, it takes you everywhere the imagination can envision.  Excellenté!  (and the editor's personal favorite!). The disc rounds out with Kashiwa's "Back To Love"- a hit from sea to shining sea, abroad and a favorite on Internet radio: the talent abounds on this one.

If you are curious about the Native Language roster of artists and CD releases, check out Smooth Jazz - The Best of Native Language - Volume 1. I'm pretty sure you will be impressed and will need to future investigate this stable of music.  Rating: A

http://www.nativelanguage.com


-Darrel Scott and JazzyG




                                                                                                                    



                   

Al Jarreau - All I Got                               


Okay there is no bigger Al Jarreau fan than me and let me tell you that "All I Got" is a smash.  Jarreau scores big points on his latest release on GRP Records (The Verve Music Group). His vocal skills are sharp and cover his various skills, jazz, scat, pop and you know how Al can romance a tune. The CD opens with "Random Act of Love" penned by Seidah Garrett; it is a med tempo groover. The lyrics are poignant and so truthful. Throw in Al's vocals with Seidah backing him up makes a very good first impression.

Now track 2, "Life Is", is a stone cold smash. The underlying rhythm hook is enough to start your neck to move.  Al's vocals along with lyrics are the spice that makes the jambalaya spicy. There are many hooks throughout this tune that make it a smash. "Feels Like Heaven to Me" is another of the many quality tracks on this disc. Put this one on when you and that special someone are driving… they will get the message and the drive will be so much smoother.

You may remember back in the day when Al teamed with Tom Canning on many Jarreau hits. This duo gets back together again for "Lost and Found". An additional surprise is that Al teams with Joe Cocker. This combination may seem usual and if you're like me you may think that it won't work but the two mesh their somewhat different styles fairly well.

"Jacaranda Bougainvillea" lyrics remind you of the struggles of Nelson Mandela and just how far we, as people have come. You can hear the African influences in Al's scatting and in the music. The song is significant in what is says and how it is sung. The CD closes with Al's interpretation of "Route 66". If you close you eyes, you can see Al sitting under a spotlight in a smoke filled room with nothing but a microphone and his voice.

From the first track to the last track, Al Jarreau's "All I Got" is a must have CD.    Rating:  A+
http://www.vervemusicgroup.com    http://www.jarreau.com

-Darrel Scott

                                                  

 


Lee Ritenour - Rit's House                        

I try not to surprise people so I want to let you know up front if you're expecting Lee Ritenour's latest release "Rit's House" to be in the same vain as A Twist of Jobim or     "A Twist of Marley", you'll be in for a slight shock. "Rit's House is Ritenour displaying   his acoustic chops. Perhaps one of the most versatile players around, Ritenour showcases a style that he has not shown for many years.

Ritenour ventures back into the past and conjures up some fond jazz memories with his interpretation of Lee Morgan's "Party Time", Dave Grusin's "Condor" and Gabor Szabo's "Mizrab". All are wonderfully done with somewhat of a Charlie Christian feel.

Lee does a credible interpretation of Sting's "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic".    The song, which features Michael MacDonald on vocals, just doesn't seem to fit with   the rest of the compositions. Mysterious yet melodic is "Olinda", probably the stand    out track on the disc.

Ritenour has a truly unique style. You can hear the influences of Christian, Reinhart   and Joe Pass along with an inimitable flavor that is Lee Ritenour. On "Night Owl" you'll hear some fine sax playing from Ernie Watts as well as the unmistakable sound of the  B-3 organ, played by Alan Pasqua, which underscores the shadowy guitarmanship of Ritenour.

Speaking of sidemen, I would be remiss if I didn't mention- the supporting cast who   aid Lee is a journey down a road less traveled: George Duke, Joey Defrancesco, Peter Erskine and Marcus Miller are just a few of the names that add their own zest to this departure from what Lee is known for.

As you go whisking down the roadway and you spot the house that just doesn't look   like the rest of the house in the neighborhood, that's probably Rit's House. Don't be shy; stop in.  You'll enjoy the sensation. I don't think Lee will mind the company.  Rating: A+
http://www.vervemusicgroup.com    
-Darrel Scott



Bob Baldwin  - Standing Tall                          

Bob Baldwin always has his hands on the pulse of music. He has mastered another genre of jazz called neo-jazz. It is born out of the neo soul sound of Jill Scott and D'Angelo This neo-jazz style is unique to Bob; however, after listening to his Narada  Jazz debut CD, "Standing Tall",  I'm sure many others will begin to add it to their collection.

On "Standing Tall", Bob has created an individual feel for each tune. "Mr. Sample"  which was actually written years ago is a tribute to Joe Sample. You can hear the    effect of Sample on Bob's playing. "Stand Tall" and "Neo Jazz" are tunes that      listeners will appreciate Baldwin's melodies.

If you need to work on your salsa or Merenge dance steps, check out "See You In Miami".  Baldwin dips into his Latin groove for this one, once again displaying a     myriad of musical flavors that are Baldwin. The man who pioneered the neo-jazz movement, Roy Ayers, makes an appearance on his classic "Everybody Loves The Sunshine".  Ayers can still play the vibes and that along with Baldwin's piano solo    make this a feature track on "Standing Tall"

Sprinkled throughout "Standing Tall" are some outstanding performances by a fine roster of artists: Kim Waters, Will Downing, Marion Meadows and Phil Perry.  With      this wonderful mixture of music and talent, the cream that rises to the top is Bob Baldwin's "Standing Tall".    Rating: A+


http://www.narada.com         http://www.bobbaldwin.com


-Darrel Scott


       



Pieces of a Dream - Love's Silhouette                       

You know on those rare occasions when you begin to listen to CD and that first track is just a smoker. You wonder is the rest of the disc as good as the first.  I've got one of those for you, Pieces of a Dream's "Love Silhouette" (Heads Up International Records).  

The very first  track "Turning It Up" is a bright yet funky portion of Pieces' 14 course musical carte du jour.  Throughout this disc certain things will reach out and grab you. One, James K. Lloyd is one of the finest keyboard players there is.  He is also a fine writer of music also. He penned 12 of the 14 tracks on this disc.

"I Feel Like Singin" features the vocals of Tracy Hamlin.  Hamlin's voice is sultry and inviting. It has a bluesy feel to it but when Lloyd steps up and delivers his piano solos, you can hear that classic influence. "Mission Impossible" is not the theme to the television show or the movie. It is open the windows, let the wind blow in your hair      or perhaps put a little glide in your step as you're going about your day. Eddie Baccus' sax playing is suave and colorful. Baccus compliments Lloyd throughout the disc.

As you will find on many CD's, Pieces pays their respect to 9/11 with "Remembrance (9/11/01).  It is thoughtful, respectful and played with passion. Pieces version of the classic "My Funny Valentine" is soulful.  Ms. Hamlin's vocals are vintage smoke filled room; Lloyd's piano work is splendid. The song is just well done. Pieces' seems to appreciate the classics.

Pieces of a Dreams Love's Silhouette will definitely cast a shadow in your musical library.  Rating:


http://headsup.com        http://www.piecesjazz.com


-Darrel Scott




                                                    





Nelson Rangell at Chene Park
  July 20,2002


I had traveled a few hours through the rain, silently questioning my sanity, when I finally arrived at Chene Park.  It was a warm summer night on the Detroit River, with Canada's industry in the backdrop, across the rippling water.  Suddenly in the sky above, appeared a rainbow, after the storm.  Was this a sign of the evening to come?

Nelson Rangell stepped onto the stage, greeting the crowd and took flight.  Opening  with "The Road Ahead", he took command and never let up.  His performance was flawless- literally an exercise in motion, he and his horn hip-swayed across the stage, angling forward, arching back nearly 180° - the runner's lungs filled the air with the sweet sound of sax and it was on.

Unyielding, he eased into Earth, Wind & Fire's "Can't Hide Love", showcasing the talents of keyboardist Rob McDaniels and bassist Vernon Barbary, and with the audience on the floor, welcoming him home, took a moment to comment that "a lot of what I play has to do with my deepest feelings and hopes for humanity… and the need for us all to "show and extend kindness- that all of us live by grace".  There could not have been a more fitting intro to his next song - "Grace".  A signature song for Rangell, in my opinion, this piece is as emotional a song as anyone could ever imagine being performed by a human being.   In the crossover, he eased into   a truly inspired bridge of EW&F's "Reasons", leaving the audience cheering and breathless.  I wondered, what more could one man do?

Rangell smiled, applauded the band and the fans, thanking them for nurturing him "from a pup" some twenty years ago and introduced the next song, "Rainbow Seeker", which featured drummer Terrell Martin and Nelson on flute.  Melodies haunted the evening air to the rhythmic beat.  Martin was masterful on the skins, sending the crowd to its' feet, cheering and barking.  Gotta love that Midwest enthusiasm: whether drum skins or pigskins!  Keep your eye on this young talent, knockin' 'em down at the age of 20!!

As the sun set on the water, turning the sky shades of orange, pink and mauve,    Nelson took the audience to that special place with Eric Clapton's "Sinner's Prayer".  Some in the crowd hummed or softly sang along, then he moved into Stevie Wonder's "All I Do".

By this time, boats of varied sizes began to gather in the harbor around the amphitheatre and its' passengers regaled the sweet sounds of wind instruments permeating the air.  I had not noticed the time fly by, but eighty minutes had passed and the finale had arrived.  Rangell closed his set playing tenor sax on "All For You", featuring Vernon Barbary on bass - another young lion that electrified the crowd with thunder thumbs and lightening licks.  This band kicks-- and the upbeat groove left us wanting the party to begin all over again.  

Before departing the stage, Rangell informed us that 2003 will bring his two new releases:  on January 15th, a Smooth Jazz CD and on approximately April 15th, a Straight Ahead Jazz CD with orchestral accompaniment.  Something to look forward to and help ease the tax collection blues.

Nelson Rangell is back from hiatus and let there be no mistake about it: he's silkier and stronger than before… if that's possible.


-JazzyG


Want to know his opinion about an upcoming release? Make your In-Flyte reservations at: darrel@smoothnotesandnews.com.



©2002 Smooth Notes and News