Lake Effect
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Brighter Moments
Lake effect, a type
of snow squall, is produced in the winter when cold, arctic winds move
across long expanses of warmer lake water, providing energy and
picking up water vapor which freezes and is deposited on the lee
shores. This effect occurs in many locations throughout the
world, mostly in the Northern Hemisphere, but is best known in the
populated areas of the Great Lakes of North America. That brings us to
the Chicago based group Lake Effect consisting of their members Neil Artwick (keyboards) and Bob Davis (guitars). On their website, which is
programmatically called smoothjazzband.com, one can read information
about their previous album
An Ocean Away (2001).
Like planets on their
orbit these in-demand musicians are assembling for a new project
after a long hiatus. Really, 6 years is a long time. Robert and
Neil have developed a unique blend of melody and groove within the
smooth jazz genre, that excites players and listeners alike. In
January 2007 original founder David Chackler decided to revitalize the
legendary label, nuGroove Records. He has signed Lake Effect. This
group was the launching pad for Michael Manson, Steve Cole and others,
and now they are stepping out on their own nuGroove release entitled
Brighter Moments (2007).
The album starts with
The Funky One, a tune with a bluesy attitude. A Hammond B3
sound and Bob's guitar deliver the necessary retro feeling. The title
Loops or New Loops (in the liner notes) is a rather
technical term. Behind this term hinds a captivating song with a
hooking loop.
The telephone area
code 773 was formed in the city of Chicago, Illinois, USA in
1996. The area code has been popularized by a series of t-shirts with
the slogan "773 FOREVER", a reflection of residents' strong sense of
pride and attachment to the area and their identification with urban
living over the suburbs. Lake Effect has now released the national
anthem for this area revealing the buzzy city life.
Bucktown is
featuring Frank Catalano on tenor saxophone. His latest release on
Bright Records, Mighty Burner, was released in the U.S. on May 30
2006. Frank's raw style is tamed for this song right the way the song
demands.
Cadillac Jack
was a fact-based story about a woman's fight to get her rodeo star
husband freed from a false murder conviction. It's also the title of a
novel by Larry McMurtry. Lake Effect perform their own version of
Cadillac Jack, adding a new feature to this illustrious person.
Green Dog Marco
is featuring guitarist Nick Colionne. Based on a contemporary shuffle
beat Neil Artwick develops on his keyboards an impressing theme with
hooking power. Nick's and Bob's guitars jump in with quick runs.
The Samba infused
Latin Nights is a pure invitation to dance or accompany the song
with your own beats. Ruben Alvarez (percussion) and Khari Parker
(drums) are perfectly performing in this dream team. Khari is drummer
of Destiny's Child and was already reviewed on Mike Phillips' album
Uncommon Denominator.
Western Bob is
a well cooked meal in the tradition of Bruce Hornsby. In the limelight
Bob and Neil creating the magic we love and are addicted to. Lema
is a slow contemplative song, may be dedicated to the late golfer
Lema.
Bob and Neil did also
a great job on 10% More. Certainly radio-like but with an
incredible perfection. Steve Eisen (tenor sax), Mike Halpen (trombone)
and Rob Parton (trumpet) showcase a fantastic horn arrangement.
In The Universe
features great sax player Warren Hill. He performs the melody with
distinctive emotion and elegance. I remember his fantastic smooth jazz
cruise with pleasure.
There is no reason
not to like this albums, but 11 pros to buy it. This is solid and
finest smooth jazz.
