Mainstream

“Mainstream” is an original “smooth jazz” tune. I recently came across the original lead sheet I made for this, and got a bit of a shock. I wrote this FORTY F***ING YEARS AGO!!!. The genre classification “smooth jazz” hadn’t even emerged yet in 1979, even though George Benson pretty much set the table for it with his “Breezin” LP. It was derisively called “Fuzak” back then.

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The Lady in my Life

This is my cover of “The Lady in my Life”, written by Rod Temperton, which was first released as a track on Michael Jackson’s album “Thriller” in 1982. It was one of only two tracks on the album to NOT be released as a single. However, countless other artists have covered it.

Hot Wings Blues

“Hot Wings Blues” is an original jazz/funk/fusion track. The bass line was inspired by Jaco’s work in “The Chicken”.

You Must Be

“You Must Be” is an experiment. Having just finished it, I’m not sure how I think it turned out. Perhaps you can let me know what you think.

The track is something of a mashup of several of my major influences: Smooth Jazz, Jazz Fusion, 80’s Pop Ballads, and Hank Marvin with the Shadows.

One World One Word

“One World One Word” is an original, instrumental smooth-jazz ballad. For many years, smooth jazz and fusion were the main styles in which I worked.  If you visit my artist page at CD Baby, you can see some of the albums I released over the years. You might also try my artist page on Spotify.

 

Ten Weeks

“Ten Weeks” is an original jazz-rock-funk fusion track.

Chuloe

“Chuloe” is a rumination and tribute to jazz guitarist/composer/producer Chuck Loeb, who passed away from cancer earlier this week.

Although I don’t consider him a major influence on my own work, I was an enormous admirer of his. One of the hallmarks of his music — no matter his role — was a perfect balance of taste, clarity, and virtuosity.

I will miss him.