Refreshingly, Livin' Large turned out to be one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish. In what has become typical Euge Groove fashion the songs present a style in a formula that really works.
Livin? Large has a nicely varied, mix of 11 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly outstanding 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 like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They're all here.
The nice thing 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.
If you're even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you'll enjoy this CD. Overall Livin? Large is an outstanding release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.
While the entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 1 ? Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight, track 4 ? Take You Higher, and track 8 ? Talk To Me.
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is the title track, Livin' Large. Outstanding tune!
Livin? Large Release Notes:
Euge Groove originally released Livin? Large on Mar 09, 2004 on the Narada record label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight 2. Livin' Large 3. XXL 4. Take You Higher 5. Thank You - (featuring JBS) 6. Gift, The 7. Too Cool 8. Talk To Me 9. Silhouette 10. Cabolicious 11. Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) - (TRUE instrumental)
Personnel: Euge Groove (vocals, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, keyboards, samples); Bridgette Bryant (vocals); JBS (rap vocals); Lee Thornberg (trumpet, flugelhorn); Herman Jackson (vibraphone, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, synthesizer); Ollie Marland (Fender Rhodes piano, programming); Ricky Peterson (organ); Jeff Carruthers (keyboards, guitar, programming); David Woods, Johnny Britt (keyboards, programming); Paul Brown (guitar, percussion, programming); Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Alex Al, Roberto Vally (bass); Lil' John Roberts (drums); Luis Conte (percussion).
