Search - Gene Dunlap :: Peaceful Days

Smoothjazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 10/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"PEACEFUL DAYS, in my humble opinion, is drummer Gene Dunlap's best album to date. It sparkles, it's got tons of radio-friendly tunes, and it shows clearly how evolved Gene's become in his production expertise. Can you tell yet that I like this project? With some all-star help from Everette Harp ("Forgiveness," which has "hit" written all over it), George Duke ("Dorindia," another stunner) and his old Detroit school chum Earl Klugh (the engaging "I'd rather Be Loving You"), Mr. Dunlap has fashioned a solid collection of tracks that should get their fair share of airplay in the weeks and months to come. Most of the album is originals, with the exception of two well-chosen covers...Ohio Players' "Sweet Sticky Thing" and Stevie Wonder's "You've Got it Bad Girl." This is all good stuff, giving PEACEFUL DAYS a lot of solid depth. Gene's been making albums since 1981's "It's Just the Way I Feel" (seven of them now with this new release) so he knows what he's doing, and it clearly shows here. He actually took a hiatus from performing in 1994 to teach inner city youth in the Motor City...then picked it up again in 2000 with his "Tails of the Phatman" project. When I hear a quality work like PEACEFUL DAYS from a quality person like Gene Dunlap, I feel good knowing that Smooth Jazz is in very good hands. I highly recommend this album! ~Scott O'Brien"

SMOOTH JAZZ OF THE YEAR!!!

R. warren | Washington, DC | 08/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must say that when this guy makes a cd he gives it his all. All of his music sounds just great. He seems to take the time to fill in anything that may be missing. He and the players on this cd are fantastic musicians. When you put together artists like these you can't go wrong. There is so much soul to this jazz. I don't mean to leave anyone out but I really enjoy Perry Hughes' guitar playing. The trumpet and sax are great. I still listen to his older cds because they are still sounding good. I know I will be listening to this one for a long time also. GreatCD!!! Check it out!!!"