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 It Just Happens That Way. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

It Just Happens That Way has a pleasantly varied, mix of 12 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly superb artist. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard through her playing.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Smooth Jazz isn't your favorite genre 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 Mindi Abair's horn work is in top form. Of particular note on this offering is her amazing rendition of the song Save The Last Dance.

While this entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 1 Lucy's, track 3 - Save The Last Dance, and track 7 It Just Happens That Way.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 2, Flirt. This is a great track!

It Just Happens That Way Release Notes:

Mindi Abair originally released It Just Happens That Way on February 25, 2003 on the GRP Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Lucy's 2. Flirt 3. Save The Last Dance 4. As Good As It Gets 5. Save Tonight 6. Right On 7. It Just Happens That Way 8. Salt And Lime 9. Momo 10. Play 11. Remember 12. Home

Personnel Include: Mindi Abair (vocals, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, keyboards); John Taylor (vocals, bass); Lee Thornburg (trumpet, trombone); Ricky Peterson (piano, Wurlitzer piano, Fender Rhodes piano, organ); Greg Manning (Fender Rhodes piano, organ); Matthew Hager (keyboards, guitar, bass, programming); Ty Stevens (acoustic & electric guitars, percussion); Mike Landau (electric guitar); Jeff Golub, Dwight Sills, Marc Antoine (guitar); Dave Carpenter (upright bass); Stan Sargeant (fretless bass); Steve Ferrone (drums); Bud Harner (cymbals); Lenny Castro (percussion). Producers: Matthew Hager, Bud Harner, Ty Stevens. Recorded at Castle Oaks, Calabasas, California and 76 Steps Studios, Hollywood, California in August 2002.