Unfortunately, it's not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can't force myself to get through. Not at all the case with When I'm With You. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.



When I'm With You has a pleasantly varied, mix of 11 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly talented artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are his own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

The nice thing about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Smooth Jazz isn't your favorite style you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

Listen to and I think you'll agree that the song choices are excellent, the production is outstanding and Chuck Loeb's guitar work is in top form. Of particular note on this offering is his amazing rendition of Brother Ray.

Smooth Jazz fans will recognize and appreciate some of the sounds from the musicians that have been recruited to play along with Loeb on this collection. Artists like David Mann, Will Lee and Ralph MacDonald just to mention a few.

While this entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 1 - Double Life, track 4 The Girl From Ipanema and track 9 Spanish Nights.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, Anytime, Anywhere. Outstanding!

When I'm With You Release Notes:

Chuck Loeb originally released When I'm With You on Feb 22, 2005 on the Shanachie Records record label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Double Life 2. Tropical 3. Uppercut 4. The Girl From Ipanema 5. Brother Ray 6. Anytime, Anywhere 7. Jumpstart 8. When I'm With You 9. Spanish Nights 10. And Then Some 11. Home, James

Personnel include: Chuck Loeb (guitar, keyboards); Carmen Cuesta (vocals); David Mann (flute, saxophone); Barry Danielian (trumpet, flugelhorn); Will Lee, Carl Carter (bass instrument); Ralph MacDonald (percussion). Recording information: Automotive Recording, Irvington, NY.