It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that�s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.
Standing Tall has a pleasantly varied, mix of 12 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly gifted artist. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are him own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They�re all here.
If you're even mildly into Jazz music you'll enjoy this album. Overall Standing Tall is an a great release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.
Overall Standing Tall is outstanding from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Jazz fan. Really spectacular from beginning to end.
While this entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 3 - Too Late, track 10 - She's Single, Ready To Mingle, and track 6 - Where Are You Going?.
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 8 - Everybody Loves The Sunshine. What a nice track!
Standing Tall Release Notes:
Bob Baldwin originally released Standing Tall on Sep 17, 2002 on the Narada label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Stand Tall 2. Way She Looked, The (At Me) 3. Too Late 4. It's A New Day 5. Neo-Jazz 6. Where Are You Going? (Brazilian Interlude) 7. See You In Miami 8. Everybody Loves The Sunshine / My Life 9. Let's Fly Away 10. She's Single, Ready To Mingle 11. Mr. Sample 12. Too Late - (TRUE instrumental)
Personnel includes: Bob Baldwin (vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, keyboard bass, string synthesizer); Roy Ayers (vocals, vibraphone); Cafe (vocals, percussion); Phyllis Domigue, Phil Perry (vocals); Marion Meadows, Kim Waters, Fred Vigdor, Dean James (saxophone); Ray Vega (trumpet, flugelhorn); Joey Sommerville (trumpet); Dennis Johnson (keyboards, keyboard bass, drums); Chieli Minucci (guitar); Lil' John, Buddy Williams (drums); Emedin Rivera (congas); Joel Rosenblatt (guiro); Andy Korn (drum programming); Zoiea (background vocals). Recorded at The Uppa Room, Yonkers, New York.
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 Midnight Without You. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
The CD opens with an outstanding track, The Steps Of Positano, that I anticipate will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It's a really nice track.
Smooth Jazz music fans will recognize some of the well known contributors on the project including Andy Snitzer and Marc Shulman plus a few other notables as well.
I'm of the opinion that Midnight Without You is certainly Chris Botti's best work in a few years. A totally enjoyable CD and an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up because it's a collection that even the casual Smooth Jazz fan can appreciate and enjoy.
Chris Botti is one of those musicians that has the ability to just win you over with him talent. The kind of artist it's really a treat to be able to listen to.
While the entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 1 - The Steps Of Posiatano, track 2 - Midnight Without You, and track 10 - Alone In The City.
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 5 - The Way Home. Good stuff!
Midnight Without You Release Notes:
Chris Botti originally released Midnight Without You on May 20, 1997 on the Verve Forecast label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. The Steps Of Positano 2. Midnight Without You - (with The Blue Nile) 3. Regroovable 4. Never Gone 5. The Way Home 6. When Rain Falls 7. Until Now 8. Mr. Wah 9. Forgiven 10. Alone In The City
Personnel: Chris Botti (trumpet, piano, keyboards); Paul Buchanan, Jonathan Brooke (vocals); Andy Snitzer (piano, Wurlitzer electric piano, programming); John Leventhal (organ); Harvey Jones (keyboards); Marc Shulman, Shane Fontayne, Gerry Leonard, Vincent Nguini, Larry Saltzman (guitar); Tony Levin, Jeff Allen, Bakithi Kumalo (bass); Shawn Pelton (drums, programming); Jerry Marotta (Native American drums, brushed cymbal, tom toms); Joe Bonadio (Native American drums, sordu, tambourine). The Blue Nile includes: Paul Buchanan (vocals); Paul Joseph Moore (piano, keyboards, programming). Recorded at Beartracks Studios, Suffern, New York; Shelter Island Studios and Truck Sound Studios, New York, New York.
Clyde Lee Dennis has sinced written about articles on various topics from CD Review, Keyboard Synthesizer and CD Review. Clyde Lee Dennis a life long music enthusiast, writes CD reviews and is also the Education Editor at Chicago.eNewsBriefs.com covering topics like. Clyde Lee Dennis's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.