Patrick
Yandall, guitarist extraordinaire, surprises us with his 9th
international release called Laws of Groovity, now available
at Amazon and CDBaby. Born in Bay City, Michigan, he found his luck in
San Diego and L.A., where he has established himself as session
musician. His new album was recorded at MoBops studios San Diego and
was edited and mastered at A.M. studios in L.A. This outstanding
musician has performed all instruments of his album himself and with
the exception of two songs he has also written and composed all
tracks.
Starter of the album is a rendition of Always
There originally written by Ronnie Laws, William Jeffreys and Paul
Allen for the Jazz Crusaders. The group Incognito has released more
than 20 albums with this song. You see how vital and potential this
tune is. Patrick couldn't resist to serve his own interpretation and
he did right in doing so. What an asset for every guitar player.
When I listened to Laws Of Groovity first
time, I immediately thought of George Benson's Love X Love and indeed
Yandall's electric guitar sound owes a bit as well to heavy childhood
influences George Benson and Wes Montgomery. But Patrick adds his own
notes of creativity to the popular keyboard loop.
In case you visit
Brazil, you will feel that Latin way of live Viejo Amigo is
right on the way that Latin flavor. Yearning For Your Love
was a huge hit for the GAP Band in 1981, although not that classic
Funk style, the group usually practiced, this love ballade was often
covered in the smooth jazz scene by such artists like Alex Bugnon,
Kevin Tooney and Tim Cunningham. Patrick makes this track irresistible
by combining the melody with the rhythm loop of Marvin Gaye's monster
hit Sexual Healing.
Let's Flow is an astonishing piece of guitar rapidity plastered
in a plain and simple melody. You have to drive nice and slowly to
enjoy Your Satisfaction. A relaxed guitar piece with a golden
heart. Turn Down The Lights has so much emotion. Patrick
Yandall reveals his great potential and talent as composer and
performer in this slow ballade.
Law St. Locals is a good example for the
ease of Yandall's performance. Build on a simple melody structure
Patrick convinces with his major play. No San Diego based musician can
escape from the Latin influence. Gaviotas is Patrick's
contribution to the Latin flavor. The New Sound is a trial to
incorporate new elements of music like Hip Hop into this harmonic
scheme. My personal favorite is the final tune Madre showcasing
Patrick's strength, the melodious guitar play.
With Land Of Groovity Patrick Yandall
marks anew his claim of one of the best guitarists contemporary jazz
can offer today.
