Bobby Wells - Bayside

 

I am just studying the list of new and upcoming releases for December. I am wondering. No new release? Well, today only a few labels are still releasing new Smooth Jazz albums. Artists go to work and publish their album at CDBaby, nowadays the best replacement for the vanishing mp3.com. To find the right stuff under the masses of music is a hard job. But when you find your pearl, it's really enjoyable.

Bobby Wells' new album "Bayside" has the copyright-date 2005, but obviously Bobby decided to release it a bit earlier. So you can buy it now and you should consider to obtain it quickly. It will be sold out soon. Bobby has assembled some prominent names on his new album: Michael O'Neill ( guitarist for George Benson since more than 12 years and well-known by his album "Never Too Late"), Eric Marienthal (sax player and famous member of "The Rippingtons" and often touring with Chick Corea), Mel Brown (bassist for Gladys Knight, Mark Anthony and more), Bryan Savage (member of the "The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band" and performer on solo albums like "Rush Hour"), Darren Rahn (saxophonist and producer on Wayman Tisdale's "Ain't No Stoppin Us Now") and Brandy Wells (singer and Bobby's daughter).

On the cover of "Bayside" you see Bobby relaxing on a sunny beach and this is obviously the spirit of his new album. Joy and happiness. The title tune is featuring the fantastic Michael O'Neill playing acoustic guitar and Bobby's twirling piano style. A hooking melody which will conquer the smooth jazz charts.

When you ever have the chance to attend a concert with Eric Marienthal, don't miss it. He is a great live performer and truly an enrichment for every recording. I Barely Know You is a good tune to showcase Eric's saxophone by the benefit of overdubbing in a double mode.

Traffic Jam is Bobby's own tune, means he wrote the music, performed and arranged all instruments. There is much tension and musical power in this energetic piece.

On this album is a prize of R&B: I'm That Kind Of Guy. Besides his instrumental talents Bobby has also an impressing voice. Backed up by his daughter Brandy Bobby comments:" Brandy tops it off with her smooth & charming voice."

Keyboardists love to use sounds like steel pans. On She Loves To Play Bobby combines this sound with piano elements to some great Caribbean feelings.

It's The Simple Things. Play romantic music and dance together. Slowly dancing around the room to a favorite song can mean so much more when it is completely unexpected. Bobby has created the right song for this romantic hour.

Special rhythms and melodies are often heard in the smooth jazz genre. My Heart To Yours is such a mainstream radio like tune. Easy listening.

Loosen Up has a rockish beat. Eric Marienthal plays a magnificent tenor sax. This tune could be on his new album "Sweet Talk". Smooth and elegant.

Bryan Savage is best known for his sax work on "Saxafaction" and "Rush Hour". Rio Good presents Bryan this time as brilliant flute player. This tune is tailored on Bryan's impressing performance. Bobby, your professionalism as musician can only beaten by your creativity as arranger.

You wanna have some funk? What, What Up? has it all. A phat beat and a very energetic sax. Darren Rahn is the new upcoming saxophonist and producer and long time fellow musician in Bobby's Band. Darren stopped by to add Tenor Sax after producing. This song will be used on a new upcoming cable show called "Colours" out of Denver, Co. this coming spring. Inquire at: www.UrbanSpectrum.com.

Mel Brown adds an un-compromising solo to My All In All. His bass sounds similar to David Dyson which album "The Dawning" I have recently reviewed. If you want to listen more of Mel's music I recommend you Metro's album "Grapevine". 

Just Hold On is a romantic finish in a gospel mood. Gracious!

If you are searching for a Christmas present you should check out Bobby Wells' new album "Bayside" and buy a second album for yourself. You won't regret.