A creative sonic detour.
kons | 10/24/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you're looking for a contemporary jazz recording that's not quite a formulaic smooth jazz release and covers a number of styles, your search is over.
The 16-year sax veteran, who picked up the instrument at age four because it was the only thing left, has mastered it ever sense.
Everette has worked with all of the greats, Luther Vandross, Regina Belle, Neil Diamond, Chaka Khan, Kenny Loggins, George Duke, Marcus Miller and Anita Baker.
The album, co-produced by Rex Rideout, has a mixture of R&B, smooth Jazz, Pop and R&B : it has great arrangements and the music flows and meshes beautifully.
"My Inspiration" is an audio testament to the freedom he feels making it. Finally, he can show his creativty and make the kind of music he wants and likes.
No hesitation : this is Everette's best album yet.
On this excellent project he is supported by a stellar line-up of musicians : George Duke, Lenny Castro, Dwight Sills, Jeff Lorber, Alex Al, A. Ray Fuyller, Teddy Campbell and James K. Lloyd from Pieces of a Dream.
It's a very rich blend of contemporary jazz melodies and jazz club settings, this offering provides a range of soft music and well thought and crafted compositions. His sax flavor transcends different grooves, either for a taste of being seductive or harmonious. It guarantees to stay within a pace - a flow - throughout the disc...
The result is an interesting sonic detour and at 52 minutes, devoid of filler.
"My Inspiration" is a great recording, full of flavor, from the first track to the last. It's definitely deserving of major exposure.
The closer title track "My Inspiration"-- his homage tho his father-- is a vocal tune with Harp singing and it's warm and heartfelt.
The album's highlights : "All Jazzed Up", "Funky Palisades" and "Chasin'".
"
THANKYOU
M. Hedges | London, UK | 02/09/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have found the last couple of albums a bit too Uptempo for my own personal taste but this is oh so lovely.Thanks for keeping it Smooth EV."