Mindi Abair's GRP Records debut, "It Just Happens That Way," is filled with in-the-pocket grooves, well crafted songs, and a decidedly pop sensibility that's unique to the current smooth jazz landscape. That's because in a... more »ddition to playing with the biggest names in smooth jazz, Abair has been a fixture in the pop world as saxophonist of choice for artists including Backstreet Boys and Mandy Moore. Producer/guitarist Matthew Hager also brings his pop roots to the project having worked with such artists as Mandy Moore, Duran Duran, and Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots. The resulting instrumental smooth-pop fusion is completely fresh, fun, and is destined to stay in your CD player once you first give it a listen« less
Mindi Abair's GRP Records debut, "It Just Happens That Way," is filled with in-the-pocket grooves, well crafted songs, and a decidedly pop sensibility that's unique to the current smooth jazz landscape. That's because in addition to playing with the biggest names in smooth jazz, Abair has been a fixture in the pop world as saxophonist of choice for artists including Backstreet Boys and Mandy Moore. Producer/guitarist Matthew Hager also brings his pop roots to the project having worked with such artists as Mandy Moore, Duran Duran, and Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots. The resulting instrumental smooth-pop fusion is completely fresh, fun, and is destined to stay in your CD player once you first give it a listen
"This is a great CD. Mindi Abair is the newest and best thing to come out of smooth jazz in a long time. I bought this CD on a whim while scouring the music isles and I am very glad I did. Compared to everything else on the racks it looked like it would be different and would introduce something new and refreshing to my tired jazz collection. Did I mention it's a great CD? Mindi is talented, her songs are original and creative. If you like smooth jazz and want to take a chance on a new artist who will soon be a household name get the CD and you'll soon love it."
Mindi Abair's solo debut is exceptional
jazzfreeek00 | Alhambra, Ca | 02/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You like smooth jazz? You like smart and original melodies? You like buying a CD and being able to enjoy every single track? Mindi Abair's new album "It Just Happens That Way" is perfect. Loaded with original and creative songs that are a break from the run-of-the-mill jazz that is prevalent today, this CD is enjoyable from start to finish. I find the CD has a song for me no matter what mood I'm in. If you don't know Mindi she is an attractive young lady who jams on the sax as good as anyone and can also sing in a distinctive way. This is the best CD to come along for smooth jazz fans in a long while."
Mindi Abair: unique and up tempo!
jazzfreeek00 | 03/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you haven't heard of Mindi Abair by now, where have u been? Mindi is a young hip Jazz musician who recently launched her debut CD, which is slowly sneaking to the top of the charts. Whether or not you traditionally listen to Jazz or not you'll like this CD. She's got a very unique style that mixes classic jazz with contemporary pop and boy can she blow. Before I listened to her, I never believed I could fall in love with a Jazz CD, one listen to Mindi however and I've been hooked ever since. She's got up tempo stuff, moderate and easy listening. One of the tracks titled, Lucy's, would make a perfect wedding song -something to keep in mind-."
New Candy Dulfer?
Rohan Tissa de Silva | Milwaukee | 03/21/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Like Candy Dulfer, Mindy Abair is a very pretty sax player. Because this is only "smooth" jazz, it's a little hard to tell how talented she really is, there are no impressive solos, and much of the CD is background music for a nice dinner. Still, she blows a nice sax sound, and her vocals are sexy. As you can see from the other reviews, the smooth jazz crowd loves this stuff, but if you're more into Coltrane, you're going to want to take a pass. Personally I really like the title cut, and "flirt," but I think the CD would have been better if a standard or two could have been introduced to break up the smooth jazz monotony."