Calvin Napper is a natural born drummer. Although addicted to gospel music he pursues his musical destination in smooth jazz or more precisely funk. Sticks Of Praise (1999) and Soul Rhythms (2005) are his previous works. His new album is entitled Good Vibes (2015) and already available at CDBaby.

These musicians shared their talent on his new project: Melvin Gray (bass, keys),  Vance Taylor (keys), Sedar Jones (percussion), Jubu Smith (guitar), Marcus Anderson (sax), Bobby Sparks (organ), and many more. Some of them are like Calvin members of the group Maze.

Just Go starts with Calvin's drum solo meandering into a funky state of grace. Stylistically, the proximity to Maze is unmistakable.  McKinley "Bug" Williams, longtime percussionist for Maze, has died of an heart attack in 2011. Let's Groove featuring Marcus Anderson is a tribute to this great musician.

The rhythmically oriented Good Vibes offers Nipper's extensive drum solo with other highlights like Natalie Ragins on keys and guitar extraordinaire Joey Woolfalk's inspirational work. The relaxing Evening Drive features singer Jimmie JJ Jeter wrapped into a amazing instrumental envelope.

Night In St. Maarten starts with a Latin swing with a pinch of Earth, Wind & Fire, when Calvin sings and mixes in some contemporary jazz before the airplane safely lands. Groove Thang features killer guitar man Rick Watford, whose signature sound is to hear on many smooth jazz albums and beyond the genre.

Calvin also offers some R&B with Ooh featuring singer Shannon Pearson, known as vocalist with the George Duke Band and for Jeffrey Osborne. Last Flight To NYC is designed for the fans of synthesizers and shines with syncopated beats. Stunning work on drums is the main feature of this tune.

When you meet a fine wine, then enjoy it. Wine Down featuring singer Tony Lelo and Brian Simpson on keys is such a rare drop. In The Groove is mainly a funky masterwork of horns and the virtuoso is Clyde Cumberlander jr. He is widely known in the gospel scene. Jam Good Time brings the funk back with alienated voice (talk box, vocoder or auto tune).

Zone C is guitarist Jonny Fung's piece, a master of the so called chicken funk. A guitar man with a bright future! Final tune is Lookin' Out featuring singer Marcus Cole, funky as funky can be. If I left out some of the musicians, then that is based eventually not on disrespect. There are just too many talents on this album.

If you love funk or Maze or both, then Calvin Napper's Good Vibes is the ultimate tip for you. Musical passion at the highest level.

 

 

 

 

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Album Information

Title: Good Vibes
Artist: Calvin Napper
Year: 2015
Length: 1:06:49
Genre: General Jazz
Label: Calcoon Rhythms


Tracks:
01 Just Go [4:58]
02 Let's Groove [4:49]
03 Good Vibes [5:25]
04 Evening Drive [5:08]
05 Night In St Maarten [4:16]
06 Groove Thang [5:29]
07 Ooh [4:17]
08 Last Flight To NYC [6:03]
09 Wine Down [5:27]
10 In The Groove [6:37]
11 Jam Good Time [4:06]
12 Zone C [5:34]
13 Lookin' Out [4:40]