Sax on the Beach

構成数 : 1枚
合計収録時間 : 01:02:51
John Tesh Project: John Tesh (synthesizer); Michael Landau (guitar); Tim Heintz (keyboards, accordion); Tim Landers (bass); George Perilli (drums); Brian Kilgore (percussion). Additional personnel: Phillip Ingram, David Pack, Mervyn Warren (vocals); Charles Everett (violin); Maria Newman (viola); Melissa Hasin (cello); Rich Cook (Uilleann pipes); Tollak Ollestad (harmonica); Michael Paulo, Marc Russo (saxophone); Gerald Albright, Eric Marienthal (alto saxophone); Rick Baptist, Stuart Blumberg (trumpet); Alex Iles, Alan Kaplan (trombone); Boney James, Charlie Bisharat. John Tesh's command of new age and urban R&B vocabularies have made him one of the most popular artists on the new age and adult contemporary charts. With his lush keyboard harmonies and graceful lyricism, Tesh creates alluring soundscapes which invite listeners to join the party and dance...or simply catch a groove in their heads. Now, with SAX ON THE BEACH, Tesh expands on his solo vision, receding slightly to the background in favor of a more organic ensemble sound, as he makes his move for the contemporary jazz charts. With a solid band in place, Tesh follows in the path of cool trendsetters such as Kenny G, the Yellowjackets and Spyro Gyra, creating a mentholated flow of Latin flavored R&B grooves and soaring saxophone solos. Tesh's choice of material and featured players reflects his growing interest in progresive instrumental pop, where the lead instrumentalist functions more as a vocalist than a freewheeling jazz improviser. On the Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald penned "This Is It," keyboardist Tim Heintz answers Boney James' keening alto with gospelish refrains, as Tesh sweetens the mix with broad synthesizer brushstrokes. The elegant funk of Earth, Wind & Fire's "September" inspires altoist Gerald Albright to grainy cries that suggest Junior Walker's seminal R&B horn-work. And on "Synchronicity II" and "Message In A Bottle," Tesh's synth work fleshes out the swirling accompaniment, ceding the solo spotlight to flash guitarist Michael Landau. Personnel: John Tesh (synthesizer); David Pack, Mervyn Warren, Phillip Ingram (vocals); Michael Landau (guitar); Charles Everett, Charlie Bisharat (violin); Maria Newman (viola); Melissa "Missy" Hasin (cello); Rich Cook (pipe); Rick Cook (Uilleann pipe); Tollak Ollestad (harmonica); Tim Heintz (accordion, keyboards); Gerald Albright (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, piano); Boney James (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Michael Paulo (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Eric Marienthal, Marc Russo (alto saxophone); Rick Baptist, Stewart Blumberg (trumpet); Alex Iles, Alan Kaplan (trombone); George Perilli (drums); Brian Kilgore (percussion). Audio Mixers: Ross Pallone; Charlie Bisharat. Recording information: Rumbo Records. Arranger: Charlie Bisharat. Despite being an Emmy-winning composer with numerous top-selling albums to his credit, some folks still fail to take John Tesh seriously as anything more than the host of Entertainment Tonight. Those who scoff, however, should realize that aside from writing great sports music, the man knows how to put together some phenomenal talent, who jam heartily on Sax on the Beach despite the romantic album cover. The familiar song titles -- "The Way It Is," "Piano in the Dark," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" -- may bring out the Muzak Patrol, but this is a far more aggressive turn than the simplistic approach of its predecessor, Sax by the Fire. Underneath the commercial sheen is some fiery blowing by the starry likes of Gerald Albright, Boney James, Eric Marienthal, Michael Paulo, and Marc Russo. If that's not enough, how about Charlie Bisharat's violin, David Pack's vocals, and Mike Landau's raging electric guitar, plus horns and a string quartet? Cynics always look at cover tunes like they're a cop-out, an easy way to get airplay. But when they're done just right, the results can be fairly joyous. Four Weddings and a Saxophone, anyone? ~ Jonathan Widran
録音 : ステレオ (Studio)