Los
Angeles studio guitarist Freddie Fox is an in-demand sideman. One can
listen to his signature guitar sound on Marion Meadows' albums
Dressed To Chill and Player's Club, George Benson and Al
Jarreau's Morning, Walter Beasley's Just Kickin' and
many more. His self-titled debut
album as solo interpret was released in 2003 and received high
acclaim.
His sophomore
album is titled Feelin' It (2008). Freddie comments: "These
days it takes something special to really perk up our ears here in
SmoothJazzland. And I've delivered just that! Fact is, I get it! I
know what works for Smooth Jazz right now. This one’s a slam dunk, one
fashionable track right after the other. So what’s left? You must hear
it! * See it * Experience " Freddie Fox" the gentle southern man." One
can absolutely trust these words of a serious musician. On this album
one finds the who-is-who of smooth jazz. Nelson Rangell, Najee,
Walter Beasley, Michael Lington on sax, Luis Conte on percussion, and
Evelyn "Champagne" King on lead vocals on "Happy Feelings"!, Alex Al,
Mel Brown on bass, Michael White on drums, and many more.
The starting title
Southern Ways features sax player Nelson Rangell in his
typical attitude. Freddie Fox shows his elegance in mesmerizing riffs.
A strong back up by horn section Lewis Taylor (saxes), Steve Baxter
(trombone) and Johnny Britt (trumpet) completes the professional
picture.
Feelin' It
is the mellow contemplative title song with guest star Najee on sax
and flute. However my favorite is Day Dreamin'. On this song
Freddie lets his guitar sing as we smooth jazz fans love it. The
sultry appeal of the song accelerates with its steady hypnotic repetition.
Walking on George
Benson's path No U Turn showcases Freddie's full knowledge of
guitar magic and melody. Michael Broening sets some jazzy accents on
his keys. Still Lovin' You is Freddie's confession with a
professional musical approach.
We are all dreamin' of the next Smooth Jazz Cruise to the Caribbean
Islands. Freddie Fox shares his own imagination of Cruise Control
with us. The dynamic and up-tempo song presents Freddie's guitar in
good mood.
Happy Feelings
is Freddie's personal bouquet of flowers to his beloved wife Evelyn 'Champagne'
King. The song was originally performed by Frankie Beverly and Maze
for their groundbreaking album Maze in 1977. Their first album
after the group changed the name and signed to Capitol Records. Evelyn
gives this song a special flair. She is the female counterpart to
Frankie Beverly. Superb!
So Much Love
is a good opportunity to let the funk out. Freddie shines on his
guitar with brilliant riffs. Thank You is a nice slammin' in
old style. Freddie is not only a blessed performer but also a gifted
composer and arranger. People like him are the soul of soul. Smooth
and Just 4 U' are the final stuff to dream along. A wonderful
fireplace atmosphere.
Without any doubt
is Freddie Fox an enrichment for the smooth jazz genre. There cannot
be any better prove than his new album Feelin' It. Freddie, I
listened and I'm convinced.
