Radiant grabs your attention right from the very first note of the very first track with Feeling Good, and doesn't let go until the very last note of the very last song Radiant Dreams, which by the way is another great track.
This collection is a nicely varied, mix of 11 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 his own 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.
Smooth Jazz fans will recognize some of the players that have been assembled to contribute on this CD. Musicians like Michael Paulo, Michael Broenning, and Gerald Veasley just to name a few.
The nice thing about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Smooth Jazz isn't your favorite genre you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.
Listen to Radiant and I believe you'll find there's really not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Steve Oliver's guitar work is as usual in top form. Of particular note on this offering is his amazing rendition of Good To Go. If you're even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you'll enjoy this album.
While the entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 1 ? Feeling Good, track 3 ? For What It's Worth, and track 9 ? Reach The Sky.
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 8, Across The Water. Good stuff!
Radiant Release Notes:
Steve Oliver originally released Radiant on Mar 21, 2006 on the Koch Records record label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Feeling Good 2. Tradewind 3. For What It's Worth 4. Good To Go 5. Shadow Of The Moon 6. Cool 7. Bend Or Break 8. Across The Water 9. Reach The Sky 10. Shine 11. Radiant Dreams
Personnel include: Steve Oliver (vocals, guitar); Michael Paulo (saxophone); Steve Madeo (trumpet); Michael Broenning, Tom Schuman (keyboards, programming); Gerald Veasley (bass instrument); Christian Poezach (drums). Recording information: B Hive, Phoenix, AZ.
