Robert Monteleone - Just Havin' Fun
CDBaby
is a fountain of musical talents. You haven't to search for a long
time to find professional musicians. Robert Monteleone is an old
stager. Getting experience with his band Simpozium, a group founded in
1988, he now decides to have some chart breaking with the smooth jazz
format. " Just Havin' Fun" is his debut album and a
prominent name is helping in some promotion. It's the well-known
keyboardist Roger Smith playing additional keyboards and synth bass on
this album. He also co-produced this album giving it a professional
finesse.
The first track Kickin'
It has a relaxing tempo and a repetitive main theme presented
by the sax player Tom Politzer. Insiders know that Tom Politzer plays
the tenor sax in the group "Tower Of Power" joining this
group in March 2002. Tom's arena is the Bay Area working in several
bands, mainly in the group "Spang-A-Lang". By the way Roger
Smith is also playing with TOP. It seems that "Tower Of
Power" is a big big family. Very attractive is Robert's piano
play, which finds my outmost attention.
Winds
On Westcliff is a bit smoother. Robert's soft touch of keys is
accentuated by Darrell Crooks' sweeping guitar. Well, Darrell is a
very accomplished guitarist. He played with hundreds of artists. I
just mention Earth, Wind & Fire, Dan Siegel, Al Jarreau, Eric
Clapton, The Jazz Crusaders, Kevin Toney or Bobby Lyle for example.
More fire do you
find on Moonlight in Maui. Maui, one of
the Hawaian islands, was known by the Maui
festival which jazz entrepreneurs John and Rebecca Rozenberg
brought on stage. Tom Politzer is leading the theme through various
levels while Robert is running with him on keyboards. Some
improvisations are spotted in.
Sweet
Love is featuring the female singer Lisa
Taylor. I don't know what to admire more, her breathtaking beauty
or her warm and vital vocals. She is singer better on this tune than
on her own album "Sibling Rivalry".
Takin'
A Break accelerates the tempo. Tom Pulitzer overdubed saxplay
combined with Robert's piano staccato is heating the mood.
Pieces
For Pieces is presenting Robert's nice piano tremolo and Tom's
expansive sax solo.
On Getting
Together Lisa Taylor is huming to Robert's piano play in a
romantic way. Something for the often cited fire-place with a
glass of wine.
The title song Just
Havin' Fun has the same structure as the previous tune.
"Piano and huming" but with a bit more tempo. This tune is
enriched with soli of Tom and Robert.
Ghost
Mountain has a nice melody line walking through the octaves.
Robert trusts in the classic smooth jazz scheme.
Don't
Sweat It is the slow doorkeeper. Robert spreads some smoky bar
atmosphere.
Smooth Jazz fans
will find some awesome perls listening to Robert's album.
