Mindi Abair "It Just Happens That Way" Smooth Jazz CD Review

Richly talented Smooth Jazz artist Mindi Abair has released her CD entitled It Just Happens That Way and Wow! It's really a good one.

It Just Happens That Way launches with a great track, Lucy's that I anticipate will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It really is a very nice track.

This entire CD has a nicely varied, mix of 12 tracks that are very nicely constructed songs by this clearly superb artist.

Listen to this CD and I believe you'll find there's not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Mindi Abair's Sax work is superb. If you're even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you'll enjoy this album.

While this entire album is outstanding the truly standout tracks are Flirt [track 2], Save The Last Dance [track 3], Right On [track 6].

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

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Ukulele Chord Changes - How to Make Them Smooth

The biggest challenge beginner ukulele players face is getting their chord changes quick and smooth. Too often players' strumming is halting whilst playing.

This article will give you a few tips on how to avoid this situation and bring together your chords to make smooth changes.

Tip 1: Play At A Slower Tempo

The biggest mistake most beginners make when learning the ukulele is trying to play too fast. Whenever you learn a new song, always start playing it at a snails pace. This will get your fingers used to making the changes.

If you're playing too fast, you will make mistakes. And the more mistakes you make, the more your fingers will repeat that same pattern and continue to make mistakes.

Tip 2: Strum Evenly

When you are strumming, make sure you strum slowly enough so that the chord changes fit between the strums and the music is smooth. At the beginning, this may mean you have to play exceptionally slowly. Don't worry about it.

Once you have it under your fingers, you can start to increase the tempo gradually. This will result in much smoother playing.

Tip 3: Prepare for the Changes

You should have in your mind and which chord comes next and how you're going to change to it. Think of ways you could make that change easier for yourself.

Take the change from a C chord to a G chord. With the C chord you'll be fretting the A string with your third finger. Whilst you're doing this, you could also be holding down the A string at the second fret with your middle finger - so it will be there already when you have to change to G.

Another preparation you can make is to have your fingers placed just above the string where they will have to be for the next chord. Now they will be much closer to where they need to be for the next chord.

Grady Nichols "Sophistication" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

The exceptionally talented Smooth Jazz artist Grady Nichols has released his CD entitled Sophistication. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Grady Nichols fans, and Smooth Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Sophistication Grady Nichols's artistic excellence is on full display as he has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be his best work to date.

Grady Nichols has been a super star in the Smooth Jazz genre for quite some time now and Sophistication is an excellent illustration as to why.

Smooth Jazz music fans will recognize some of the well known contributors n the project including Jeff Lorber and Chris Botti plus a few other notables as well.

If you're a Grady Nichols fan this is a CD your collection flat cannot be without. In fact, this is one of those CDs that you don't even have to be a fan of Nichols, or even Smooth Jazz to know is good. It's just good music. Period.

While the entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 1, Tuesday Morning, track 4, End Of The Night, and track 9, Circle Of Friends.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, Dinner And A Movie. What a nice track!

Sophistication Release Notes:

Grady Nichols originally released Sophistication on Jul 27, 2004 on the Compendia Music Group label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Tuesday Morning

2. Livin' O The Life

3. Sneak

4. End Of The Night

5. All Right

6. Dinner And A Movie

7. Within The Blue

8. Behind The Scenes

9. Circle Of Friends

10. Alone With You

11. Quiet Times

Personnel include: Grady Nichols (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Jeff Lorber (various instruments); Paul Pesco, Ray Fuller (guitar); Chris Botti (trumpet). Recording information: JHL Sounds, Pacific Palisades, California.

Bona Fide "Poe House" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

Poe House is the latest Smooth Jazz CD put out by the extremely talented group Bona Fide and they have once again has delivered a brilliant collection of tracks. I'm confident Bona Fide fans, and Smooth Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one.

This one grabs your attention right from the outset with Club Charles and won't let go until the very last note of the very last song Goose, which by the way is another great track.

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 style you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

I'm of the opinion that Poe House is certainly Bona Fide's best work to date. 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.

While this entire album is outstanding the truly standout tunes are Club Charles [track 1], Willie Don [track 2], and The Horse You Came In On [track 9].

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, Low Rider. What a nice track!

Poe House Release Notes:

Bona Fide originally released Poe House on Nov 20, 2001 on the N-Coded Music label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Club Charles

2. Willie Don

3. The Poe House

4. El Dorado

5. It's Love

6. Low Rider

7. Blaze

8. The Horse You Came In On

9. The Block

10. Never More

11. Schmoke

12. Tito Pepe

13. Goose

Personnel includes: Alta Greene, Julie Mays-Sudduth (vocals); Kevin Levi (soprano & alto saxophones).

Craig Chaquico "Four Corners" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

I can describe the latest release from Smooth Jazz sensation Craig Chaquico for you with just one word... Outstanding!

Four Corners launches with an outstanding track, The Drifter, that I anticipate will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It's a really nice track.

One of the nicer things 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.

Overall Four Corners is excellent 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 Smooth Jazz fan. Really sensational from beginning to end.

While the entire album is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2, Forbidden Love, track 4, Red Rocks, and track 7, A Mothers Heart.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, Somebody To Love. Good stuff!

Four Corners Release Notes:

Craig Chaquico originally released Four Corners on Jun 29, 1999 on the Higher Octave record label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. The Drifter

2. Forbidden Love

3. Turquoise Moon

4. Red Rocks

5. Arizona Daybreak

6. Somebody To Love - (featuring 3rd Force)

7. A Mothers Heart

8. Haight Ashbury

9. Samba Del Rio

10. Borders

11. Four Corners

Personnel includes: Craig Chaquico (guitar); Richard Hardy (soprano saxophone); Everett Harp (saxophone); Alain Eskinasi, Craig Dobbin (keyboards); Derek Jones (bass); Wade Olson (drums). Producers include: Paul Brown, Russ Freeman, William Aura, Ozzie Ahlers, Craig Chaquico. Engineers include: Craig Chaquico, Ozzie Ahlers, William Aura. Recorded at Brauntosoarus, Woodland Hills, California; Cheyenne Mountain Ranch, Woodland Park, Colorado; Auravision, Ojai, California; Funky Joint Studios, Sherman Oaks, California. Live Recording.

Rippingtons "Black Diamond" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

I can describe the latest release from Smooth Jazz sensation Rippingtons for you with just one word... Outstanding!

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, with each song standing tall on it's own.

Black Diamond has a nicely varied, mix of 11 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly outstanding artist.

One of the really nice things 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 artists.

Overall Black Diamond is an outstanding release. Quite possibly the Rippingtons best to date. Really sensational from beginning to end. If you're even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you'll enjoy this CD.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2, Deep Powder, track 3 Seven Nights In Rome, track 7, If I Owned The World

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 4, Soul Seeker. Great track!

Black Diamond Release Notes:

Rippingtons originally released Black Diamond on September 16, 1997 on the Windham Hill Jazz record label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Black Diamond

2. Deep Powder

3. Seven Nights In Rome

4. Soul Seeker

5. In Another Life

6. Big Sky

7. If I Owned The World

8. North Peak

9. Angel Fire

10. Jewel Thieves

11. Black Diamond - (acoustic version)

Personnel: Russ Freeman (acoustic, electric, classical, slide, baritone & 12-string guitars, mandolin, keyboards, bass, percussion, loops, drum programming); Mark Williamson (vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion); Jeff Kashiwa (soprano & tenor saxophones, EWI); Nelson Rangell (alto & tenor saxophones, flute); Arturo Sandoval, Mark Ledford (trumpet); David Kochanski (piano, organ, keyboards, drum programming); Brian Moore (guitar, 12-string guitar); Kim Stone (bass, fretless bass); Steve Reid, Pete Escovedo (percussion).

Euge Groove "Livin' Large" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

Livin' Large is the latest release from Smooth Jazz Sensation Euge Groove, and I can only think of one word to describe this CD... AWESOME!

Livin' Large grabs your attention right from the very first note with Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight and doesn't let go until the very last note of the very last song Thank You, which by the way is another great track.

Livin' Large is a pleasantly varied, mix of 11 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly superb artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen.

Euge Groove is the kind of artist I really enjoy listening to.

If you're even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you'll enjoy this CD. Overall Livin' Large is an a great release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2, Livin' Large, track 7 Too Cool, track 9, Silhouette.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 3, XXL

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. The Gift

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).

Alex Bugnon "Free" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

Free is the latest release from Smooth Jazz Star Alex Bugnon, and I can only think of one word to describe this CD... AWESOME!

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 Free. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Free has a nicely varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly gifted artist.

One of the nicer things about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Smooth Jazz isn't your favorite style you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

Listen to this CD and I believe you'll find there's not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired and the overall production is simply outstanding. If you're even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you'll enjoy this album.

While this entire album is outstanding the truly standout tracks are Free [track 1], In Your Eyes [track 4], and Pillow Talk [track 8].

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

Free Release Notes:

Alex Bugnon originally released Free on Oct 04, 2005 on the Narada record label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Free

2. Fingertips

3. Carrera

4. In Your Eyes

5. Sierra Leone

6. Downtime

7. Tomorrow (Better You, Better Me)

8. Pillow Talk

9. Don't Go

10. Out There

Personnel include: Alex Bugnon (piano); Vincent Henry (harmonica, soprano saxophone); Victor Bailey (bass instrument); Sonny Emory (drums).

Peter White "Perfect Moment" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

Perfect Moment is the latest release from Smooth Jazz Artist Peter White, and I can only think of one word to describe it... AWESOME!

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.

Perfect Moment is a pleasantly varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly outstanding artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are his own personal 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 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 Perfect Moment is an outstanding release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2, Kinda Sweet, track 5, Don't Want To Be A Foo, track 9, The View From Your Window

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 3, Midnight In Manhattan. Wow!

Perfect Moment Release Notes:

Peter White originally released Perfect Moment on Oct 20, 1998 on the Columbia label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. San Diego

2. Kinda Sweet

3. Midnight In Manhattan

4. Perfect Moment

5. Don't Want To Be A Fool

6. Autumn Day

7. My Prayer

8. Another Rainy Day

9. The View From Your Window

10. Windy City

Personnel : Peter White (acoustic guitar, keyboards); Greg Vail (soprano saxophone); Grover Washington, Jr., Gerald Albright (tenor saxophone); Rick Braun (trumpet); Brian Culbertson, Greg Karukas (keyboards, synthesizer, drum programming); Mike Egizi (keyboards, drum programming); Tim Heintz (keyboards); Mike Sims (electric guitar); Alex Al, Larry Kimpel, John Menzano (bass); Lil' John Roberts (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion); Steven Dubin, Paul Brown (drum programming). Producers: Steven Dubin, Paul Brown, Peter White. Engineers include: Dave Rideau, Paul Brown, Peter White.

Chris Standring "Groovalicious" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

The exceptionally talented Smooth Jazz artist Chris Standring has released his CD entitled Groovalicious. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Chris Standring fans, and Smooth Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Groovalicious Chris Standring's artistic excellence is on full display as he has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be his best work to date.

Chris Standring has been a super star in the Smooth Jazz genre for quite a while now and Groovalicious is an excellent illustration as to why.

If you're a Chris Standring fan, or just a fan of Smooth Jazz music this is a CD your collection simply should not be without.

While the entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 2, Miss Downtown Sugar Girl, track 6, Gentle Persuasion, and track 12, Shadow Dance.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 4, Say What?!. This is a great track!

Groovalicious Release Notes:

Chris Standring originally released Groovalicious on Jul 15, 2003 on the ARK 21 label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. I Ain't Mad Atcha

2. Miss Downtown Sugar Girl

3. All In Good Time

4. Say What?!

5. Hypnotize

6. Gentle Persuasion

7. Come Back Home

8. Fat Tuesday

9. Snowfall

10. Groovalicious

11. Ray Of Sunlight

12. Shadow Dance

13. Do What You Do

Personnel: Chris Standring (guitar); Dino Soldo (vocals, soprano saxophone, alto & tenor saxophones, keyboards); Ashely Ta'mar, Jeff Robinson (vocals); Chris Botti, John Fumo (trumpet); Steve Baxter (trombone); Katisse Buckingham (flute); Steve Harvey, Rodney Lee (keyboards, programming); Stan Sargent (acoustic bass); Andre Barry, Rico Belled (bass); Oscar Seaton, David Karasony (drums); Ricky Rodriguez (percussion). Producers: Chris Standring, Rodney Lee, Steve Harvey. Recorded at Innocent Bystander, North Hollywood, California; Music Yard Studio, Malibu, California and 3rd Eye Studio, Studio City, California.