Multi-instrumentalist
Ryan La Valette is inspired by the will to develop in all
directions. His new album Fresh is a vivid testimony to
this. In consistent implementation he has complete ownership about the production of the new
album from composing and producing to performing the songs. Bass,
guitar and sax are in his focus.
The album opens with the generous All For You, in which Ryan presents the piccolo bass embedded in a wonderland of electronic sounds. The first single from the album Daydreaming is infectious with an undisguised cheerfulness.
Ryan's Sax envelops us with soothing notes and introduces us to the elegance of London Nights. Recently Ryan moved from his native New Zealand to Raleigh, NC. Duncan Ave is his musical welcome address.
Fresh is not just a state but a programmatic impetus. Ryan comments: "With an aim towards reaching other twentysomethings and other younger listeners and take smooth jazz to a place it hasn’t been before, I really wanted to hybridize it with the sounds and arrangements I’m hearing in the modern music I love today by artists like Bruno Mars and Usher, combined with the classic R&B of Michael Jackson and urban soul/jazz vibes of Brian McKnight and Eric Benet."
Introduced with a phenomenal intro My Slow Jam turns out to be a veritable paradigm piece of smooth jazz with Ryan as a sparkling saxophonist. Release Me features a superb duet of bass and piano ensouled by the need for pursuit of enlightenment, seeking liberation from the cycle of suffering and attaining a state of inner peace and liberation.
On Old School, Ryan reminds us of the times when George Benson thrilled us with Give Me The Night. Between The Sheets is not a cover of the famous Isley Brothers song but a wonderful composition of Ryan and Selina Albright. Based on a shuffle beat Ryan's guitar and Selina's voice are melting to an irresistible elixir.
Spanish Lady inspires with a concentrated load of Spanish guitar music and a pinch of Salsa. You've Got A Friend is also not an interpretation of the well-known song by Carole King and James Taylor, but an original composition. Ryan La Valette reveals his vocal talent and presents Dave Koz on the soprano sax.
I Love You comes in a classic guise, featuring the singer Selina Albright for a second time. For Ryan, there is no alternative to moving to America and he emphasizes this musically with all his might on No Plan B.
Ryan La Valette is undoubtedly a rising star in the smooth jazz sky. If you are following his young career closely, you are betting on the right card with him.
Buy the album in all stores
Album Information
Title: FRESH
Artist: Ryan La Valette
Year: 2025
Genre: Smooth Jazz
Label: Trippin 'N' Rhythm
Tracks:
1) "All For You" (4:04)
2) "Daydreaming" (4:28)
3) "London Nights" (4:52)
4) "Duncan Ave" (3:59)
5) "Fresh" (4:46)
6) "My Slow Jam" (4:45)
7) "Release Me" (5:31)
8) "Old School" (4:18)
9) "Between The Sheets (feat. Selina Albright)" (5:01)
10) "Spanish Lady" (4:20)
11) "You've Got A Friend (feat. Dave Koz)" (4:38)
12) "I Love You (feat. Selina Albright)" (5:07)
13) "No Plan B (Bonus Track)" (3:50)