Search - Oli Silk :: So Many Ways

Head nodding grooves.

Jimmy.M | New York City,USA | 02/16/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Over the past 10 years or so, keyboardist Oliver Silk has been laying the groundwork for what promises to be an auspicious release.

Silk first came to our attention here on this side of the Atlantic as one-half of "Sugar & Silk", a creative duo in which he shared star billing with bassist and long time friend Danny Sugar.

They issued a pair of releases in the UK. Silk's name next surfaced in 2004, this time on the debut from sax man James Vargas : Silk was the album's producer, shared in the writing credits, and appeared on all the tracks.

This now sets the stage for Oli's own solo debut on which serves up a lush and simmering brew that is nothing less than quintessential smooth jazz !!

Highly melodic solos highlight delicate melodies over head nodding grooves. Try the vocal "So Many Ways" or the upbeat "Deuces Wild" featuring saxman Jaared.

Standouts are the full-on 80's style Fusion of "San Carlos Approach" and "Rushmoor Café" plus the wickedly soulful version of "Summer Fling".

It's pretty good in its own way, and in what almost seems revolutionary in the modern smooth jazz climate, it doesn't have a cover tune!"