The Jazz Smoothies - Refreshing Mixes
David
Kowal, the man behind this project is a thoroughbred musician. If you
have time to read his biography you will understand that he has
dedicated his whole life to music. Now living in L.A. this album is
expression of the smooth side of his contemporary musical career.
David Kowal has composed and recorded
this album in his own studio in 2003. Supporting musicians were Jimmy
Earl on bass, Grant Geismann on guitar, Adrian Peritore on guitar,
Bruce Bartlett on guitar, Peter Gordon on flute and sax, Ray Frisby on
drums and Scott Breadman on percussion.
Especially Peter
Gordon on flute has a great influence on this album. One can
already notice it on the first song Vista.
Peter plays flute with much reverb accompanied by Bruce Bartlett's
guitar. The clear melody is overtaken by Bruce. The reverb effect let
the music floating.
Jammin' 'n
Westwood is more earth bounded. Peter Gordon's sax is
introducing onto the main theme. The piece is rhythm enhanced by Scott
Breadman's percussion.
On Keep It
Movin' Peter Gordon has more space for an extensive flute solo
between the main lead. Bottle-necked guitar tones are giving a Western
touch.
Lazy Daze
is the first contemporary jazz outbreak with much energy. Peter Gordon
presents some overdubb sax perfectly supported by Jimmy's bass. Jimmy
Earl is a master of fretted and fretless. He has played and recorded
with Chick Corea, Stanley Clark, Robben Ford, Italian
vocalist/guitarist Pino Daniele, The Crusaders, Lonnie Liston Smith,
Ramsey Lewis, George Duke, Gato Barbieri, and Jonathan Butler. I
suggest to listen his solo project "Stratosphere"
(1999).
A return to more New
Age ground is Locked Up Inside. David
Kowal takes the musical torch from Peter Grodon's flute. I regret that
he only repeats the melody without using the opportunity for a jazzy
improvisation.
Nice Spanish guitar
tones are to find on Carry On. This is a
real jammer.
Always
Love is a slow ballade. First staying in a slow memento the
piece gets more power by drums and percussion.
Getting
Warm, By My Heart, Summer
are further tunes on this album. The atmosphere is generally floating
between New Age and Smooth Jazz. All musicians are excellent players.
David Kowal finds himself in good neighborhood. David recommends his
album for moments when you're sipping on a smoothie, when you're
cooking with friends or just hangin' out.
