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For nearly 20 years Jim Savitt has been well known to the jazz
scene of New York and not elsewhere. That hopefully will change with the
release of his debut set ... HERE and NOW. A man of seemingly
contrasting interests he understands the midi guitar synthesizer inside
out and yet plays some very delicate and clean acoustic guitar
licks. Check out Jim's personal favourite from the album. From
the Heart for a good example of this.
He has personally written most of the tracks and with the production
co-handled by the underated David Mann then you know that you are
in for a smooth jazz treat.The album delivers on all counts and is a
superb example of how an independent label can at times be so much
better than a major.
Certain tracks have a real good sun on the face driving down the freeway
feel. My favourite So Long was actually written by Jim with a
fading relationship in mind. When I put it to Jim in a recent interview
that because the track felt happy it may have been a relationship he was
glad to see the back of he reluctantly declined to comment!! Say no
more.!!
There are tracks on the album that give the Savitt sound a new
age appeal.. Having had family caught up in the events of September 11th
at the World Trade Centre the reflective mood is apparent in the overall
ambience of the album. Having said that Mr. Savitt is able to get
a groove going that is urban in nature. Listen to In The House as
evidence of this and the wider world rythmns of What could be
and This Time.
This album is one that should rank alongside the best of recent smooth
jazz guitar albums from the likes of White et al and that bodes
well for a talent that we are yet to see the best from.
It may have taken 20 years but some things are worth the wait. This is
one.
JL SAYS DON'T WAIT SO LONG....BUY NOW........9 / 10
FROM THE DESK OF JAMES LEWIS
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