Search - Chuck Loeb :: Presence

Smooth return finds Loeb in fine style

ShriDurga | 06/05/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Presence finds Chuck Loeb squarely back in the smooth jazz camp after two solo releases that veered more toward straight ahead. It's a welcome return. While the New York guitarist's work with projects such as Steps Ahead and Metro prove that he has the chops to play straight, his pop-jazz style is more accomplished.



One of the veterans of the smooth jazz scene, Lobe has, besides recording more than half a dozen of his own solo projects, produced for Spyro Gyra, Bob James, Walter Beasley, Larry Coryell, Jeff Kashiwa, and Kim Waters, among others. He has written for film and television, and in his early career in the 70's was the composer, arranger and bandleader for the Stan Getz Orchestra.



Like the best of his previous work, Presence is remarkable for Loeb's light touch on the guitar, on songs like the elegiac title track written for Loeb's recently deceased father-in-law, or in his lilting acoustic lines on the James Taylor cover, Shed a Little Light, or in just the right amount of country twang in The Western Sky (in which Loeb trades lead with Till Bronner's plaintive trumpet).



On hand for this recording, his first on Heads Up Records, is a host of Loeb's past and present touring band mates, as well as guests Andy Snitzer, Paul Brown, Dave Mann, Till Bronner, Wolfgang Haffner, Mitchel Forman, and vocalist Carmen Cuesta-Loeb. Altogether a stellar cast for a fine recording.



Welcome back, Chuck.

"

Harmonious.

sellnotsell | new york | 03/04/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album includes a group of soothing songs that consolidate certain musical instruments to encapsulate a virtually perfect jazz album.

"Good To Go" is a jovial rollick complete with guitar work from Loeb and string work from Mitchel Forman. It's an upbeat song that will get you in a peppy mood.

"Rikki Don't Lose That Number" has synthesizer bass work and fender Rhodes play from Loeb as well as from Mike Ricchiuti and Matt King. Loeb also utilizes his keyboard skills which make this opus an unforgettable one.

"Window of the Soul" is a soulful rhythmic composition that has drum work from Wolfgang Haffner, Brian Dunne and Josh Dion, acoustic bass play from Christian Diener, keyboard work from Loeb and percussion play from Dion for a track that muses different types of instruments into one harmonious exposition.

"Starting Over" has skillful piano play from King, more keyboard and fender Rhodes work from Loeb, Ricchiuti and King for a track that has a marginally modified vibe than the others.

Chuck Loeb's "Presence" definitely has its own charisma and has its own brand of magnetism.

Enjoy !"