On Heads Up International's new-designed website one has a good survey about Gerald Veasley's projects, which where released on this leading label. Gerald started his career as solo artist with Look Ahead in 1992, followed by Signs (1994), Soul Control (1997), Love Letters (1999), On The Fast Track (2001), Velvet (2003), At The Jazz Base (2005) and Your Move in 2008. Gerald's roots are to find in the jazz world, he was member of Joe Zawinul's Syndicate touring the world for seven years. On the other hand Gerald has a great weakness for contemporary jazz and instrumental music, we still call smooth jazz.

This penchant was developed in Grover Washington's band, he joined for two years. Grover Washington was Gerald's friend and mentor. He performed on most of Gerald's solo album till his album Love Letters in 1999. His influence is still remarkable in Gerald's music and will certainly be a constant factor in his whole musical live. Further companions were the late George Jinda and Chieli Minucci of Special EFX, and longtime label mates keyboardist James Lloyd and drummer Curtis Harmon (Pieces Of A Dream). On his new album Your Move Gerald was assisted on both sides of the mixing board by producer, co-writer and guitarist Chuck Loeb, whose newest project Express (Metro) is still fascinating the contemporary jazz world.

The album starts with Hear Now! showcasing the significant sound of Gerald's bass performing solo and melody. “When I’m the writer or the arranger, I usually think about more than just the bass,” says Veasley. “I tend to think about what’s best for the song in general, and what all the instruments will sound like together. But Chuck wanted me to have the chance to do one of those bass-in-your-face songs. This was my opportunity to show off a little bit.” The song has a tight arrangement and melody line, no time for rest.

Slip 'N' Slide has a great going on. The tune is a vivid dialogue between Gerald's bass and Chuck's guitar and gives a big grin. Gerald comments about So Close To The Sun: “This song has a range of emotions. It’s actually a little bit melancholy in the beginning, but it has a very buoyant, triumphant flavor toward the end.” The melancholic atmosphere is created by star trumpet player John Swana. "John Swana is one of the most exciting trumpeters to arrive for a decade," declares Mark Gardner, co-author of Blackwell's Guide to Recorded Jazz.

On Greenwood the main theme is featured by sax player Chris Farr, who has co-written the song with Gerald. Chris is a longtime member of Gerald's band. In addition to his work with the Gerald Veasley band he has been working as an increasingly sought after sideman in various Philadelphia jazz clubs. He also performed with the Maynard Ferguson Big Bop Nouveau Band traveling in Europe.

“Your Move is one of those songs that, from the instant it starts, puts you in that frame of mind to just settle into your chair and enjoy the groove,” says Veasley. “It just feels right and sounds right. It was easy to work through when we were recording it. When a song comes together that effortlessly, you almost second-guess yourself. You find yourself asking, ‘Wow, could it really be that easy?’ The truth is, there’s a complexity to it, but it comes together so easily because of Chuck’s skills as a producer.” We should add to Gerald's comment, the ease of recording is the product of  musicians like Gerald and Chuck, which can rely on their matured experience and routine.

Gerald Veasley is ready to listen to contemporary music as he reveals with Cross Currents. This tune has a lot of modern elements combined to a new manifest. He brings the music to the boiling point.

Three Tears is a tribute to Veasley’s longtime friend Kip Boyer, who passed away earlier this year. “When I started writing it and recording it, I thought it would be this sort of sad-sounding song,” says Veasley. “I had intended to create this kind of solemn tribute, and it ended up being very hopeful. It had a beauty I didn’t expect. But then I realized, that was Kip. That was the essence of him.” Composing this slow touching ballade Gerald thoughts with the death. It's emotionally charged and somehow a recollection.

Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) was recorded by Sly & the Family Stone in 1969 and is recognized as one of the greatest and most influential funk songs of all time. Gerald brings this classic piece to new life. Gerald comments: “Being a lover of soul music and growing up in that era, I just see Sly Stone as the quintessential master of funk. I welcome any opportunity to tip my hat to him, and I think I’ve managed to capture some of the lighthearted spirit of the original tune.”

Traveling Light is Chuck Loeb fourth contribution for this album with the good nose for the smooth jazz market.  I’m trying to make music about those aspects of life that are common to all of us. There’s a certain rhythm to life, regardless of what you do for a living. There are experiences you have every day – certain moves that you make – with your spouse, your kids, your colleagues, whomever. A lot of those experiences are universal, and I’m trying to bring some of them to light.” So it's natural that Gerald wrote the final tune Roxanne's Dance for his beloved wife and when a bass can speak with love Gerald's bass does it.

Your Move stands in the tradition of finest contemporary jazz. Gerald Veasley is the guarantor for excellent music.