Patrick Yandall grew up in Bay City, Michigan. His decision to go to San Diego was absolutely right and rewarded with successful albums like "That Feels Nice", A Lasting Embrace", "Of Two Cities", "Back To The Groove" and "From The Ashes". His new album "Just Be Thankful" will be released in June 27^th 2005 at Apria Records. Further musicians on this upcoming album are keyboardist  Kevin Flournoy (Kirk Whalum, Kevin Whalum), San Diego based drummer Duncan Moore (Steve Laury, Checkfield),  bass player Nathan Brown (Scott Wilkie), sax player Greg Vail (Rob Mullins, Kilauea, Al Stewart) and trumpet player Steve Ebner (The Rhythmakers, Buddy Blue).

A musician staying such a longtime in frontline of the smooth jazz scene, where the best instrumentalists worldwide are performing, is maturing in style and arrangement. Eyes Of Mars is showcasing Patrick's guitar mastery. His playing is laid-back, smooth and effortless. Nevertheless when he is running the scores it's evident.

Saturday Love was originally a hit of R&B-star Cherelle performed with duet partner Alexander O'Neal on her album "High Priority" (1986) penned by dream-team Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Patrick's guitar play is a real refreshment.

The low-tempo Just Be Thankful is featuring Steve Ebner. The track gets my attention when Patrick and Steve are leaving the mellow path of melody and start to improvise on their instruments. Unfortunately rather short- timed.

Funk Sway allows funky bass player Nathan Brown a short solo surrounded by smooth elements.

Sheri is a romantic jazz ballad. Don't confound it with Stanley Turrentine's version. Patrick's arrangement is smooth and radio like.

The title Tequila Time says it all. Latin music in the style of Peter White or Marc Antoine. The tune gets its spice when Patrick is playing his guitar like a balalaika.

More Latin on Brazilian Affairs. Samba rhythm with Kevin Flournoy's sparkling piano and Patrick's great guitar solo.

King B.B. is a bluesy reminiscence to Blues legend B.B. King. Patrick perfectly imitates B.B. King's moody guitar play.

The roots of most smooth jazz players are still to find in traditional jazz. Otherwise it's not to explain that one can often listen to covers of classical jazz ballades. The song Naima for example was covered by Ray Fuller ("Weeper"), Norman Connors ("Remember Who You Are") or Thom Rotella ("Thom Rotella Band"). John Coltrane recorded this classic in March26^th 1959 in the Atlantic studios in N.Y. He named this song after his wife Juanita Naima Grubb, which he married in 1955. Patrick finds a special treatment for this wonderful song.

What might be Patrick's next single? I guess Let Me Love You. A strong captivating melody combined with Greg Vail's emotional sax solo has the power to climb the charts.

On Little Mac Patrick lets his guitar sway away. A dreamy atmosphere.

The final song Europa composed by Tom Coster and Carlos Santana was a mega hit especially in Japan. Besides this its a classic guitar piece for every guitar player. Patrick reveals all sides of his multi-faceted performance.

All affinados of smooth jazz will not resist this shining album of brilliant guitar music.