The title of the last cut on Jeff Golub's first outing for his new label, GRP, King Curtis's "Soul Serenade," provides a perfect summation of the CD's contents. Soul is exactly what separates Golub's blues-soaked guitar fr... more »om the usual "contemporary instrumental" fare. In addition to his magnificently minimal fingersnap arrangement of the Curtis classic, he offers another soul-sax masterpiece, Grover Washington's "Mr. Magic." Golub's own compositions, such as "Droptop" and the title cut, recall yet another funky tenor titan: Eddie Harris. Golub's tone is sweet, but his attack is tangy; no flash, just the elegant and emotive instrumental phrasing of a great singer--Al Green, not Mariah Carey. At one time, there was a genre--"soul-jazz"--that would have fit the former Rod Stewart sideman's music like the proverbial glove; today, he gets lumped into "smooth jazz." Within that format, Golub's use of real instruments rather than programming, his rock edge, and his genuine feeling are dangerous indeed. --Michael Ross« less
The title of the last cut on Jeff Golub's first outing for his new label, GRP, King Curtis's "Soul Serenade," provides a perfect summation of the CD's contents. Soul is exactly what separates Golub's blues-soaked guitar from the usual "contemporary instrumental" fare. In addition to his magnificently minimal fingersnap arrangement of the Curtis classic, he offers another soul-sax masterpiece, Grover Washington's "Mr. Magic." Golub's own compositions, such as "Droptop" and the title cut, recall yet another funky tenor titan: Eddie Harris. Golub's tone is sweet, but his attack is tangy; no flash, just the elegant and emotive instrumental phrasing of a great singer--Al Green, not Mariah Carey. At one time, there was a genre--"soul-jazz"--that would have fit the former Rod Stewart sideman's music like the proverbial glove; today, he gets lumped into "smooth jazz." Within that format, Golub's use of real instruments rather than programming, his rock edge, and his genuine feeling are dangerous indeed. --Michael Ross
Alex Crawford | St. Petersburg, FL USA | 09/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For those who are getting into jazz from a rock, soul, r&b, or blues background, Jeff Golub is a great musician to listen too. Most songs are upbeat, with great guitar licks. I have enjoyed every one of Jeff's cd's, and Dangerous Curves is as good as it gets. 'No Two Ways About It', with Peter White on acoustic guitar is the current #1 smooth jazz song (9/14/00). Just saw Jeff in concert (he is currently touring on the Guitars and Saxes Smooth Jazz tour)and he brought the audience to their feet with his guitar playing. Highly recommend all of the Avenue Blue cd's as well."
Dangerous Golub!
Gia | Woodland Hills, CA USA | 07/31/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Awesome CD !! I saw Jeff perform at the 2000 Pasadena JazzFest and was totally captivated by his performance and the music. I bought the CD, 'Dangerous Curves' that day, based on what I had heard. It has been a permanent fixture on my CD player this last year. It is hip,sassy,funky, with a blues feeling.Plus more! Check the smooth,romantic "Till We Meet Again" and the great cover of Smashmouths "Walkin' on the Sun" ! You will enjoy."
Golden Golub
Gia | 05/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jeff Golub really hits home with this excellent recording. He attempted to capture the 70's funk sound and boy, did he get it right! The first two tunes will get you hopping and reel you in for the rest. Make sure to check out his own web site for his own take on each of the tunes (www.jeffgolub.com/dangerous_curves_jg.htm). Very insightful and most of the songs were cut with one take!"
Avenue BLUE
Brenda S Burnett | Cuthbert, GA USA | 07/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have found that anything that Jegg Golub does is absolutely wonderful. He has managed to take artist like Eric Claptan, Johnny Lang, Stevie Ray Von, BB king, Seagar and the list goes on, and gives you alittle of everyones style all in one song and then mixes his own style in to boot. All of his work is a must hear. If you like soul, blues, and jazz. here ya go. Brenda Burnett"
Smooth, Righteous Grooves
creto | 07/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The tracks here are catchy, upbeat, and peaceful. After a recent stress-filled day, I came home and put this one in the stereo, and in no time I was dancing with my dogs. There isn't a bad one in the bunch, but my favorites are "Another Friday Night," "No Two Ways About It," "Lost Weekend," and "Walking on the Sun."While this CD does contain some of the familiar trappings of typical smooth jazz recordings, it is certainly among the best you'll find in the genre."