Robert Monteleone - Just Havin' Fun

 

CDBaby is a fountain of musical talents. You haven't to search for a long time to find professional musicians. Robert Monteleone is an old stager. Getting experience with his band Simpozium, a group founded in 1988, he now decides to have some chart breaking with the smooth jazz format. " Just Havin' Fun" is his debut album and a prominent name is helping in some promotion. It's the well-known keyboardist Roger Smith playing additional keyboards and synth bass on this album. He also co-produced this album giving it a professional finesse.

The first track Kickin' It has a relaxing tempo and a repetitive main theme presented by the sax player Tom Politzer. Insiders know that Tom Politzer plays the tenor sax in the group "Tower Of Power" joining this group in March 2002. Tom's arena is the Bay Area working in several bands, mainly in the group "Spang-A-Lang". By the way Roger Smith is also playing with TOP. It seems that "Tower Of Power" is a big big family. Very attractive is Robert's piano play, which finds my outmost attention.

Winds On Westcliff is a bit smoother. Robert's soft touch of keys is accentuated by Darrell Crooks' sweeping guitar. Well, Darrell is a very accomplished guitarist. He played with hundreds of artists. I just mention Earth, Wind & Fire, Dan Siegel, Al Jarreau, Eric Clapton, The Jazz Crusaders, Kevin Toney or Bobby Lyle for example.

More fire do you find on Moonlight in Maui. Maui, one of the Hawaian islands, was known by the Maui festival which jazz entrepreneurs John and Rebecca Rozenberg brought on stage. Tom Politzer is leading the theme through various levels while Robert is running with him on keyboards. Some improvisations are spotted in.

Sweet Love is featuring  the female singer Lisa Taylor. I don't know what to admire more, her breathtaking beauty or her warm and vital vocals. She is singer better on this tune than on her own album "Sibling Rivalry". 

Takin' A Break accelerates the tempo. Tom Pulitzer overdubed saxplay combined with Robert's piano staccato is heating the mood.

Pieces For Pieces is presenting Robert's nice piano tremolo and Tom's expansive sax solo. 

On Getting Together Lisa Taylor is huming to Robert's piano play in a romantic way. Something for the often cited fire-place with a glass of wine.

The title song Just Havin' Fun has the same structure as the previous tune. "Piano and huming" but with a bit more tempo. This tune is enriched with soli of Tom and Robert.

Ghost Mountain has a nice melody line walking through the octaves. Robert trusts in the classic smooth jazz scheme.

Don't Sweat It is the slow doorkeeper. Robert spreads some smoky bar atmosphere.

Smooth Jazz fans will find some awesome perls listening to Robert's album.

 

 

 

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