Jeff Lorber Fusion: Galaxy

If you're like me, and grew up listening to Water Sign, Wizard Island, and Galaxian, you are perhaps more  more of a raw, interactive, live band sound, where everybody cuts loose and the drummer doesn't have to lay in the pocket, backaway solos; the whole nine yards. That was then, and how can you criticize a man for being formulaic when he created the formula? It may be a polished, toned down studio incarnation of the JLF, but it still features some of Jeff's best work, personally since he re-emerged back in the early 90's (Worth Waiting For, etc.,). featuring Jimmy Haslip and Eric Marienthal, Vinnie Colaiuta, Paul Jackson Jr., (my boy) Dave Weckyl,and Randy Brecker, Galaxy reminds us that the Jazz universe is alive, well, and in very capable hands.

Vibe Rate = 9

Paul Brown: Funky Joint

Sometimes, music makes me stop what I'm doing, even if what I'm doing is listening to music. Really. Should I seek counseling? Well, at the :22 second mark of the first song of the first track, or the moment when Paul Taylor begins playing, I had to stop whatever I thought I was doing and just make the act of listening to this song my new activity. I love the tone of his guitar, almost like the sound still water makes when you gently move your hand through it. As a producer and arranger his ability to create and embellish a bona-fide groove make him one of the most under-rated names in the modern jazz community. He produced all of Boney James' earlier works, and features Mr. James on one track of this standout recording. Funky Joint will be our featured CD for the month of February, maybe March too.

Viibe Rate = 9

Maysa: Motions of Love

First things first. Ain't she fine? Motions of Love sets the mood for whatever your love situation happens to be, whether it's dancing, love making, or trying to let go of someone you love. She delivers once again with the style, grace, and beauty that has made her the premiere female vocalist of our  generation. She would most certainly be considered the Queen of Smooth Soul. Her voice seems to get stronger (if you can imagine that with each recording. and the content (as always) covers the entire emotional spectrum.

Vibe Rate: 8.5

Vibe Rate: TBD