Noel Elmowy  Feelin’ Good

A practicing dentist that makes Smooth Jazz albums in his spare time? Actually, with Noel Elmowy it’s the other way around. For the most part Noel is a musician, producer,keyboard player and composer that just happens to have a private dental practice that he runs on the odd few days that he finds himself with nothing to do!

Based in Sydney, Australia, Noel served his apprenticeship in England for a period in the eighties and has appeared on tour with amongst others Al Jarreau and Dizzy Gillespie.This, his first album that carries his name just oozes class from the music through to the production which he handles mostly in his own studio in Lurline Bay, Sydney.

Guesting on the album is one Gerald Albright who Noel met through his drummer Land Richards.In fact there is a pedigree with all of the backing musicians on the album which includes Michael O’Neill from George Benson’s touring band. Further talent is also on hand with the soulful vocals of local singer, Doug Williams.

As to the music the album opens with’Cinqueterre’ a fusion based funk track that makes the listener know that they are in for a stimulating experience! Although largely instrumental in nature the soulful vocals of the aforementioned Doug Williams grace a couple of songs of which the mid-tempo ‘Only For You’ with the superb sax of Gerald Albright is the stand out track. Sounding like Bob James in places it is the versatility of Noel’s playing which puts this album above the other new releases around at the moment. Whether with the re-working of Webster Lewis’ ‘El Bobo ‘ or the funky outing of ‘So-sue-me’ Noel Elmowy deserves attention and this deserves to be in your collection.

J.L.CERTIFIES 8/10.A MUST BUY!

Noel Elmowy  Feelin’ Good  - Expansion Records  -  XECD 28.