Brian Simpson - All That Matters

Styles: Piano Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:31
Size: 98,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:07) 1. So Many Ways
(4:13) 2. What I'm Waiting For
(4:32) 3. Mystical
(5:10) 4. Sunlit Sea
(4:30) 5. A Soft Touch
(3:34) 6. Bonita
(4:14) 7. When I Found You
(3:40) 8. Whisper To Me
(3:50) 9. Daybreak
(4:37) 10. All That Matters

All That Matters is Brian Simpson's 10th full length recording. He pulls from all of his experiences in Jazz, R&B, Funk and Soul, to create an album that is vintage Brian Simpson. Guests in the creative process here include guitarist and labelmate Steve Oliver, keyboardists Nicholas Cole and Oliver Wendell, and saxophonists Najee and Steve Alanis. With the release of All That Matters, Brian Simpson concludes, “I have the greatest job in the world. I simply love the fact that there are people out there in the world getting good feelings from my music. I never take for granted how fortunate I am.” Let's see what's up!

The album begins with So Many Ways. The track has a wispy type of feel, as the strings hit you immediately, and the main piano part grabs your attention. everything is going here with the bass and the funky drums. Simpson turns up the piano play toward the end, to really finish on a high note. What I'm Waiting For is next. Keeping up with Simpson's piano is Steve Alanis on sax. We constantly say that horns enhance the song, and this is no different. The two instruments play well together and the uptempo groove will put a smile on your face.

In Mystical, Najee joins with his flute. This is an R&B based track with some clever drum fills that give the track a modern feel. This song may be the definition of cool for 2021. Simpson breaks it down with Sunlit Sea. Sensuality is front and center, as you can sense the emotion coming out of the piano notes. The trumpet play takes the song up a notch. In A Soft Touch, there is some funky guitar play to go along with piano. Steve Oliver co-wrote and lends his musical talent to the track. The bassline is the standout here, and the track rides the fine line between fun and sophisticated.

Bonita is up next. At first listen, you can sense that he is telling a story of a loved one, and that they have been separated for quite some time. Once again that guitar sound enhances that Latin flair, and quite frankly, we need the song to be about two minutes longer. All That Matters is Brian Simpson's 10th full length recording. He pulls from all of his experiences in Jazz, R&B, Funk and Soul, to create an album that is vintage Brian Simpson. Guests in the creative process here include guitarist and labelmate Steve Oliver, keyboardists Nicholas Cole and Oliver Wendell, and saxophonists Najee and Steve Alanis.

With the release of All That Matters, Brian Simpson concludes, “I have the greatest job in the world. I simply love the fact that there are people out there in the world getting good feelings from my music. I never take for granted how fortunate I am.” The album begins with So Many Ways. The track has a wispy type of feel, as the strings hit you immediately, and the main piano part grabs your attention. everything is going here with the bass and the funky drums. Simpson turns up the piano play toward the end, to really finish on a high note. What I'm Waiting For is next. Keeping up with Simpson's piano is Steve Alanis on sax. We constantly say that horns enhance the song, and this is no different. The two instruments play well together and the uptempo groove will put a smile on your face.

In Mystical, Najee joins with his flute. This is an R&B based track with some clever drum fills that give the track a modern feel. This song may be the definition of cool for 2021. Simpson breaks it down with Sunlit Sea. Sensuality is front and center, as you can sense the emotion coming out of the piano notes. The trumpet play takes the song up a notch. In A Soft Touch, there is some funky guitar play to go along with piano. Steve Oliver co-wrote and lends his musical talent to the track. The bassline is the standout here, and the track rides the fine line between fun and sophisticated. Bonita is up next. At first listen, you can sense that he is telling a story of a loved one, and that they have been separated for quite some time. Once again that guitar sound enhances that Latin flair, and quite frankly, we need the song to be about two minutes longer.

If you want a song to add to your "Lazy Sunday" playlist then When I Found You is the one. This is something you would play while just relaxing with your favorite beverage. Whisper To Me is another R&B based track. This one almost needs a vocalist. If you listen close enough, you almost hear some vocal scats in the background. The title of the track just fits. Listen for the breakdown toward the end. That change is like the icing on the cake. Daybreak gives us that classic Brian Simpson sound, with the mid-tempo groove and his signature keyboard hits. you have some sax fills and drum play that is off the charts. The set concludes with the title track, All That Matters. We get a little EDM groove with this track, and it really reminds us of the late Robert Miles. Contemporary Jazz piano over a dance beat will always be in style, and Simpson knocks this one out of the park! 2021 is giving us some great music, and All That Matters is right there. Ten instrumental tracks with some of the best musicians in the game..there's nothing better than that. Take a listen and enjoy the music. https://thejazzworld.com/review-all-that-matters-by-brian-simpson/

All That Matters

---

Brian Simpson - Something About You

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:44
Size: 107,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:14)  1. Something About You
(3:43)  2. Morning Samba
(4:03)  3. Mojave
(4:46)  4. Chemistry
(5:23)  5. Blue Horizon
(4:17)  6. At First Sight
(5:16)  7. Irresistible
(4:46)  8. Gotta Get To You
(4:26)  9. Speechless
(4:45) 10. The Rainbow

“Over the years I continue to appreciate how music can inspire people through good and bad times, and I never take for granted the opportunity I have to play a small part in someone’s life,” confides chart-topping keyboardist, composer, prolific studio musician and producer Brian Simpson. A master at crafting unforgettable melodies and timeless anthems, Simpson’s soulful approach to the music has made him first call for many musicians across numerous genres. Brian Simpson’s Midas touch has been called upon by everyone from Janet Jackson, Teena Marie and George Duke, to Stanley Clarke, Boney James and Dave Koz. Simpson’s newest masterpiece and eighth recording as a leader, Something About You, is the perfect amalgamation of influences that are close to the pianist’s heart: Jazz, R&B, Funk, Soul. His eloquent touch, sophisticated harmonic sensibility and bluesy overtones bless each of the album’s ten originals. The pianist enlists help from a seasoned group of musicians including programmer and co-producer Steve Oliver and keyboardist Oliver Wendell, who also helped to co-produced the CD.

 The trio was joined by bassists Alex Al and Andre Berry, guitarists Darrell Crooks and Yarone Levy, percussionist Ramon Yslas and trumpeter Ron King. Brian Simpson’s eighth recording as a leader find the consummate pianist churning out in the pocket grooves and dancing melodies that he has long been revered for but also pushing his sonic limits to new heights. There are many qualities that make Brian Simpson’s music distinctive but one of the most powerful elements is his ability to compose unbelievably beautiful and striking melodies. This gift has landed him on top of the charts numerous times. “I have figured out that there is no simple way to write a good song,”  he explains “You have to take time crafting every element. I will often write one melody for a song then try to come up with something completely different, then let a day go by before listening again in order to get an objective opinion on which one to use. I often make changes at the last minute, so it’s a process of refinement that isn’t over until it’s over!” Something About You opens with the jubilant and funky title track which shines a spotlight on Simpson’s effervescent and soaring piano lines juxtaposed to the bouncy and bottom heavy bass lines of Alex Al and rhythmic fancy of  Ramon Yslas. The sweet and dreamy “Morning Samba,” the album’s first single and the mystical “Blue Horizon,” both possess an intoxicating EDM vibe. “I wanted this project to sound modern, which I hoped to accomplish through electronic music elements,” says Simpson. “This should catch your ear upon first listen. What I hoped would be unique is combining those elements with the organically funky bass and guitar that has become a distinction of my music.” https://thejazzworld.com/brian-simpson-new-album-release-something-about-you/

Something About You

---

Brian Bromberg - Thicker Than Water

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:55
Size: 154,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:35)  1. Is That the Best You Can Do?
(5:59)  2. Minneapolis, 1987
(6:32)  3. Thicker Than Water
(1:26)  4. Coupe De Ville (Intro)
(6:06)  5. Coupe De Ville
(3:27)  6. Changes
(7:46)  7. Trials and Tribulations
(2:12)  8. It's Called Life (Intro)
(5:59)  9. It's Called Life (For Mom)
(7:06) 10. Uh-Huh
(5:58) 11. Your Eyes
(6:34) 12. Land of the Rising Sun
(2:10) 13. A Familia

Brian Bromberg specializes in smooth jazz. That's music with rough edges removed. He plays it on basses, upright and electric, and on piccolo basses which are tuned to sound like guitars. It's all fiendishly clever but Bromberg remains modest. He uses a whole side of the album's cover to thank everyone, including God, "for trusting me with the gifts that you have given me." He's had his ups and downs. In 1979, when he was just 19, Bromberg toured with Stan Getz, then went on to release a series of solo albums used all over the world to demonstrate high quality stereo equipment, and was nominated for a Grammy. Then two years ago an accident resulted in him breaking his back in two places with severe trauma. He made an amazing recovery, celebrated here with what he describes as "high energy, funky, in-your-face, original music ensconced in memorable melodies, infectious grooves, and deep pocket." George Duke, Randy Brecker, Brandon Fields, and Gary Meek helped in its creation. There's actually a reflective, almost melancholy feel to many of the tracks, with Bromberg paying homage to the blue-eyed soul sounds of his youth. Most are based on funky, repetitive bass riffs, kicking off with "Is That The Best You Can Do?" and "Minneapolis 1987." The title track is looser, more jazzy.  "Coupe De Ville" builds slowly before settling on a bass riff, followed by a tenor solo from Najee, which keeps the proceedings very much on the smooth side of soul. "Trials and Tribulations" sees Bromberg in thoughtful mood but with some very fast piccolo bass work (sounding like guitar). "Uh-Huh" shows off his orchestrating skills with a cast that includes George Duke playing one of his last gigs. "Your Eyes" is a lovely, relaxed ballad and is followed by "Land Of The Rising Sun," Bromberg's take on Japan. This comes as a welcome surprise after all the bass riffing, featuring Mark Hollingsworth on bamboo flutes and June Kuramoto, from the band Hiroshima, on koto. To close, Bromberg reverts to upright bass for "A Familia," keeping it short and sweet, which is how upright bass solos should be. ~ Chris Mosey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/thicker-than-water-brian-bromberg-mack-avenue-records-review-by-chris-mosey.php

Personnel: Brian Bromberg: upright, electric and piccolo bass; Everette Harp, Najee, Doug Webb, Brandon Fields, Gary Meek, Mark Visher, Vince Trombetta, Marion Meadows: saxophone; Lee Thornburg, Randy Brecker, Willy Murillo, Tony Guererro: trumpet; Nick Lane, Jason Thor: trombone; Tom Zink, Brian Simpson, George Duke: keyboards; Gannin Arnold, Paul Jackson Jr.: guitar; June Kuramoto: koto; Franklin Richardson III: drums; Lenny Castro, Alex Acuna: percussion; Mark Hollingsworth: bamboo flutes; Zack Bromberg: loops.

Thicker Than Water

---

Brian Simpson - South Beach

Styles: Piano Jazz 
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:34
Size: 105,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:25)  1. South Beach
(4:14)  2. Can't Tell You Why
(3:36)  3. Lay It On Me

(4:52)  4. Never Without You
(4:17)  5. Paradise Island
(4:50)  6. Old Friends 

(4:41)  7. All I Want Is You
(4:42)  8. Our Love
(4:54)  9. Summer's End
(4:58) 10. Moonlit Ocean

Sometimes you have to accept something for what it is. Keyboardist Brian Simpson's debut for Shanachie , South Beach, sounds like a thesis submitted to the College of Smooth Jazz. It hits all the tropes of the genre: plenty of tinkling keyboard melodies, funky bass n' drums riffs, sweet saxophone seasonings, and vanilla background vocals. That may seem like a criticism, but it's not; it is a recognition of what may have been on Simpson's checklist, and how successfully he scratches each off as the album proceeds. Simpson plays pleasant, if innocuous, keyboards throughout South Beach, which is a perfect title for this warm and breezy album. Simpson's years as a session player, and as musical director for smooth jazz staple Dave Koz, provides him with both a familiarity with the genre and a lot of friends on his speed dial. Though Koz is missing, sax stylings are present throughout, provided by tenor saxophonist Euge Groove on "Lay It On Me," and Steve Alaniz on "All I Want Is You" and "Our Love." Simpson really shines on "Old Friends," a pretty, piano-driven tune enlivened by George Duke's synthesizer solos. 

Duke, one of the icons of smooth jazz, makes a perfect mentor, and evidence of how closely Simpson has been paying attention abounds here. This is essentially comfort food for the ears. It's simple, tasty and goes down easy, even if it never thrills the palate. Simpson isn't trying to chart a new course for smooth jazz as much as he's riding its wave; understanding that going makes South Beach as an enjoyable, if not especially memorable, way to spend 44 minutes. Simpson's goal here is to deliver the grooves, and on that score he succeeds completely. South Beach sounds pretty good, caressing the ears, even if it doesn't leave a lasting impression on the mind. ~ Jeff Winbush https://www.allaboutjazz.com/south-beach-brian-simpson-shanachie-records-review-by-jeff-winbush.php
 

Personnel: Brian Simpson: piano & keyboards; Tony Moore: drums, drum programming; Michael White: drums (2, 3, 6-9); Oscar Sexton: drums (5); Alex Al: bass (1, 3-5, 7, 8); Smitty Smith: bass (2); Larry Kimpel: bass: (5); Ian Martin: acoustic bass (6, 9, 10); Agape Jerry: guitar (1, 3, 7); Darrell Crooks: guitar (2, 4-6, 10); Peter White: acoustic guitar (4); Yarone Levy: acoustic guitar (4, 8); Brian Kilgore: percussion (1, 4-6, 8-10); Lenny Castro: percussion (2, 3, 7); Ron King: flugelhorn (2), trumpet (9, 10); Euge Grove: tenor sax (3); Steve Alaniz: tenor sax (4, 7, 8); George Duke: synthesizer (6); Brenda Kay Pierce: vocals (5).

South Beach

---

Dave Koz - Live At Blue Note Tokyo

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:25
Size: 132,2 MB
Art: Front

(2:50)  1. What You Leave Behind
(5:13)  2. Together Again
(5:36)  3. Put the Top Down
(3:28)  4. Let It Free
(3:31)  5. Anything's Possible
(6:04)  6. Love Is on the Way
(3:59)  7. It's Always Been You
(4:16)  8. All I See Is You
(4:37)  9. Honeydipped
(4:40) 10. Faces of the Heart
(5:42) 11. Silverlining
(7:22) 12. You Make Me Smile

Saxophonist Dave Koz has been recording as a solo artist since 1990. During that time he's issued more than a dozen albums of surprising variety, and has been nominated eight times for Grammy Awards. In an age when the live album has become a compulsory thing for artists who sometimes have only a single studio album to draw from, Koz waited until now to issue his first concert date, Live at the Blue Note Tokyo (recorded in 2011), which finds the saxophonist backed by a stellar quintet that includes musical director Brian Simpson on keyboards, guitarist Randy Jacobs, drummer Jay Williams, bassist André Berry, and Tio Banks on additional keyboards. 

The set was recorded impeccably by the gifted engineer Melissa Britton, who captured all of the spontaneity and warmth on display that evening. The material includes a number of excellent versions of tunes from Koz's then-current studio album, 2010's excellent Hello Tomorrow ("What You Leave Behind," "Anything's Possible," "Put the Top Down") and some killer new takes on catalog jams including "Together Again" and the hit "Love Is on the Way" from 1999's The Dance; "All I See Is You" and "Honey-Dipped" from 2003's Saxophonic; and even the funky "Silverlining," the ballad "Faces of the Heart" (which became the theme song for the soap opera General Hospital for a time), and an extended jam on "You Make Me Smile," all from 1993's Lucky Man. 

The stellar playing and the obvious love affair that takes place between audience and performers on Live at the Blue Note Tokyo make Koz's first live album one of his catalog's highlights. ~ Thom Jurek  http://www.allmusic.com/album/live-at-the-blue-note-tokyo-mw0002468987

Personnel: Dave Koz (saxophone); Randy Jacobs (guitar); Tio Banks, Brian Simpson (keyboards); Jay Williams (drums).

Live At Blue Note Tokyo

---

Brian Simpson - Out Of A Dream

Size: 104,2 MB
Time: 42:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz, Vocals
Art: Front

01. One Of A Kind (Feat. Grace Kelly) (4:22)
02. Out Of A Dream (Feat. Najee) (3:55)
03. When I Say Your Name (Feat. Dave Koz) (3:49)
04. Sky Watcher (3:59)
05. Just One Wish (Feat. Norman Brown) (4:10)
06. San Lorenzo (Feat. Marc Antoine) (4:44)
07. Let's Get Away (4:06)
08. Rio Sway (Feat. Maysa) (3:49)
09. Her Eyes (4:54)
10. Nightfall (Feat. Maurice Brown) (4:15)

Whether playing keyboards for Contemporary Jazz superstar Dave Koz, or producing and writing hits for other artists or creating hits on his own solo recordings, Brian Simpson is a force in Contemporary Jazz.

2015 promises to be a banner year for Smooth Jazz keyboardist Brian Simpson. A proven hit maker, Brian's previous Shanachie release garnered Top 10 singles, including 2 #1s. And now, "Skywatcher," the first single
from his forthcoming album, Out Of A Dream, is one of the fastest rising songs on the Smooth Jazz Airplay charts and a lock to be Top 5 on the charts at the time of the album's release.

Both as a solo performer and as the featured keyboardist and music director of the Dave Koz Band, Brian performs in front of an incredibly large number of Smooth Jazz fans on a non-stop basis. And as winner of the American Smooth Jazz Keyboardist of the Year Award, frequent guest on nationally syndicated radio shows and music director of The Smooth Jazz Cruise, his visibility is tremendous.

Out Of A Dream

---

Rachelle Ferrell - Rachelle Ferrell

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:09
Size: 155,1 MB
Art: Front

(6:08)  1. I'm Special
(5:39)  2. Welcome To My Love
(6:02)  3. Waiting
(4:41)  4. It Only Took A Minute
(6:23)  5. With Open Arms
(6:16)  6. 'Til You Come Back To Me
(3:46)  7. You Can't Get (Until You Learn To Start Giving)
(6:26)  8. Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This
(3:56)  9. I Know You Love Me
(3:39) 10. Sentimental
(4:38) 11. Could've Fooled Me
(4:11) 12. Too Late
(4:19) 13. Peace On Earth

Rachelle Ferrell wore two hats in the 1990s: straight-ahead jazz singer and commercial R&B/pop singer along the lines of Anita Baker, Miki Howard, and Angela Bofill. Produced mostly by George Duke, this self-titled album is an example of her R&B/pop side. With this smooth, classy effort, Manhattan/Capitol was obviously intent on appealing to the more adult-oriented tastes in the urban contemporary market. While artists like Mary J. Blige, Bell Biv DeVoe, Babyface, and Janet Jackson were making R&B relevant to hip-hoppers, Ferrell opted for maximum quiet storm appeal with this album. 

If you were buying a lot of Baker, Luther Vandross, and Freddie Jackson albums in the early '90s (along with some Grover Washington, Jr. and Joe Sample, perhaps), you were exactly the type of listener Manhattan/Capitol had in mind with sophisticated numbers like "It Only Took a Minute," "'Til You Come Back to Me," and "Sentimental." Most of the songs are appropriate vehicles for the Philadelphian's big, rich voice, but while this collection of mood music isn't bad, it isn't the gem that Ferrell had the ability to deliver. As pleasant and likable as much of the material is, one got the impression that she was capable of a lot more. ~ Alex Henderson  

http://www.allmusic.com/album/rachelle-ferrell-mw0000084207

Personnel: Rachelle Ferrell (vocals, piano, keyboards, horns, strings, organ); Will Downing (vocals); Michael J. Powell (guitar, percussion); Paul Jackson, Jr., Kevin Eubanks, Mike Campbell, Carlos Rios (guitar); Oscar Brashear (trumpet); George Bohannon (trombone); Barry Eastmond, Vernon Fails, Brian Simpson (keyboards); George Duke (keyboards, strings, percussion, background vocals); Freddie Washington, Al Turner, Larry Kimpel, Anthony Jackson (bass); Ricky Lawson, Buddy Williams, Doug Nally (drums, cymbals); Paulinho Da Costa (congas); Steve Thornton (percussion); David I. Ward II, Paul D. Allen (programming); Jim Gilstrap, Carolyn Perry, Lori Perry, Darlene Perry, Sharon Perry, Lynn Fidmont-Linsey, Josie Jones, Alex Brown (background vocals).

Rachelle Ferrell

---

Brian Simpson - Just What You Need

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:10
Size: 99,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:35)  1. Wherever You Go (feat. Jonathan Butler)
(4:43)  2. Just What You Need (feat. Elan Trotman)
(4:23)  3. Emerald City
(3:56)  4. Soul Embrace
(4:12)  5. A Love Like This
(4:42)  6. The Girl From Ipanema (feat. Dave Koz)
(4:36)  7. D'Groove (feat. Gerald Albright)
(4:23)  8. In The Rain (feat. Marc Antoine)
(3:51)  9. Castaway
(3:44) 10. You Gotta Be

The raison d'être behind Brian Simpson's Just What You Need is not as audacious as to reshape jazz as we know it, but to provide some easy listening while we're waiting. The ambitions here are a bit more modest as Simpson, who is best known as Dave Koz's bandleader, brings together an accomplished crew of studio veterans in a setting where they can groove with each other. There are few surprises and fewer risks taken and while everything is certainly pleasant enough the overall accomplishment may not linger in the memory. Whether or not the world needs another version of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "The Girl From Ipanema" it gets one with Simpson joined by his main man, Koz who plays some very pretty tenor sax. Simpson likes playing with horns as half of Just What You Need features tenor saxophonists (Koz, Gerald Albright and Elan Trotman ) and with Ron King accompanying on trumpet, they add to the overall cool mood of the album. 

Guitarists Jonathan Butler and Marc Antoine drop by to infuse a bit of six-string juice to the proceedings. As a pianist, Simpson is competent and professional, if not particularly dazzling and "competent and professional" are the watchwords here. Jeff Robinson adds some warm and heartful vocalizing on "What You Need" and Simpson picks up on the upbeat mood with a spirited solo and steps up his game beyond simply being an efficient craftsman. By the standards of smooth jazz Simpson and company deliver the goods with cool professionalism, and while Just What You Need is enjoyable it never veers into being essential. It's like the cool refreshment of an ice-cream cone on a hot summer's day; satisfying without being substantial. ~ Jeff Winbush   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/just-what-you-need-brian-simpson-shanachie-records-review-by-jeff-winbush.php#.U3JJFChnAqY
 

Personnel: Brian Simpson: piano, keyboards; Jonathan Butler: lead guitar (1); Nicholas Cole: keyboards, programming (1, 3); Darrell Crooks: guitar (1, 3), Alex Al: bass (1-3, 5-9); Brian Kilgore: percussion (1-9); Elan Trotman: tenor sax (2, 5); Ron King: trumpet (2, 3, 7); Michael Broening: keyboards, programming (2); Yarone Levy: guitar, acoustic guitar (4, 6); Nate Harasim: keyboards, programming (4); Dave Koz: tenor sax (6); Michael White: drums (6); Gerald Albright: tenor sax (7); Gerey Johnson: guitar (7); Mark Antoine: acoustic guitar (8); Oliver Wendell: keyboards (9); Jeff Robinson: vocals (10); Ray Fuller: guitar (10); Larry Kimpel: bass (10); Ronnie Guitierrez: percussion (10)

Just What You Need

---