The African-American saxophonist Adrian Crutchfield is known all over the world for music in different genres, such as jazz, funk, hip-hop, rock, etc.

At the age of four he received his first sax from grandmaster Kenny G, who noticed his interest in the audience. Kenny G stopped the performance, invited him on stage, played a nursery rhyme and handed Adrian the sax.

Adrian is known as the last saxman to have performed with Prince and the New Power Generation. You can hear him on his latest album 'Hit-N-Run Phase 2'. Adrian has also performed with Lionel Richie, Bette Midler, Ceelo Green, Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia Barrino, KC and JoJo, and hip-hop superstar Young Jeezy.

In the jazz field, they were Brian Culbertson, Kim Waters, Mike Philips, Alex Bugnon, Jeff Lorber, Branford Marsalis, and legendary bands such as Fourplay and The Gap Band featuring Charlie Wilson. Colleague Dave Koz also praised him as an upcoming topper. Adrian wrote or co-wrote almost all tracks, and not only plays sax, but also keyboards, bass and programmed the drums.

This new album, which I listen to digitally here, starts with 'Love Letter' on which the poet Tramere Monroe speaks. 'Speechless' follows next, and the title track is a "feel good" track. The cover of 'Softest Place on Earth' by Xscape, is sung by Kayla Waters.

'Hold My Hand' is a quiet ballad, followed by the up-tempo song 'You Smile I Smile'. Vocalist J. Stylz can be heard on 'Butterfly', followed by the relaxed 'Say it'. 'Go Girl' makes you dance and 'Know Your Heart' is another romantic ballad, and 'When We Dance' takes on the Latin tour. And 'All My Love' is a funky closer, with an R&B atmosphere.

This album is a very nice introduction to Adrian for me. I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more from him! Recommended!




 
   
  


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Adrian Crutchfield




Tracks:

Love Letter

Speechless

Lover

Softest Place on Earth

Hold My Hand

You Smile I Smile

Butterfly

Say it

Go Girl

Know Your Heart

When We Dance

All My Love