The Smooth Jazz Alley is a San Francisco Bay Area based  group founded by keyboardist Marco Montoya and guitarist Stan Evans. Their debut album was Been A Long Time Comin’ (2016). Stan left the group in 2017 and was replaced by drummer Kevin Lewis in 2018. The new duo released the single Let's Ride, which is also the title of the second album, now on sale in 2020.

The following musicians are performing in addition to the duo: Joel del Rosario (guitar), KennyKen Franklin (bass), Matt Godina (guitar, keyboards, programming), Chieli Minucci (guitar), Andy Snitzer (sax), Roberto Vally (bass), Stanley Evans (guitar), Kenji Matsui (guitar wah), Tony Peebles (sax), Mona Attia (vocals), Lebron Dennis (sax), Eric Marienthal (sax), Carlyle Barriteau (guitar), Greg Vail (sax), and Tony Guerrero (trumpet).

The album starts with EBF featuring guitarist Joel del Rosario. Especially the Salsa piano solo lets you rock through the roof. On the titled song the  group is joined by guitarist and producer Matt Godina, a well-polished artist who perfectly fits in the group. He also produced Night Out and New Hope and played guitar on these tunes.

Tidal is the second single of the album presenting two stars, Chieli Minucci on guitar and Andy Snitzer on sax. This song has definitely the supreme west coast flair powerfully unfolded by top-notch musicians.

On Bay Breeze Marco Montoya reunites with Stan Evans, and the old concept still works fine. Tony Peebles is the man of the sax with a meticulous handling of the melody. When I would be asked which of the musicians is shining most on Night Out, then I would clearly identify Marco at the piano who creates a terrific groove.

Smooth Jazz Alley is a silky ride to the streets of sophisticated zephyrs featuring Lebron Dennis on smooth soprano sax. He is joined by guitarist Joel del Rosario to the finest harmony.

Like many other underground stations is the Montgomery Station in San Francisco in better times a busy and bustling hub. Not the a grouponed something in the time of the Corona crisis. Maybe this piece should remind us of that with a well-honed Eric Marienthal, who brings pepper into the melody and guitarist Carlyle Barriteau showcasing his prowess.

Bubba is the  groups homage to brotherly friendship which the musicians cultivate among themselves. The tune is highly staffed with saxophonist Greg Vail, and the guitarists Stanley Evans and Carlyle Barriteau.

From every time of twilight and gloom New Hope arises. Muted is Tony Guerrero's trumpet, but the atmosphere is not. Livin' in NYC underlines with an infectious melody the pulsating spirit of the Big Apple.

The Smooth Jazz Alley has accomplished their mission with this multifaceted album with passionate authority. Let's Ride is the best remedy to bring some light into our situation.

 


 

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Album Information

Title: Let's Ride
Artist: The Smooth Jazz Alley
Year: 2020
Genre: Smooth Jazz
Label: The Smooth Jazz Alley


Tracks:
 
1 EBF (feat. Joel Del Rosario) 4:57
2 Let's Ride 4:14
3 Tidal (feat. Andy Snitzer) 4:18
4 Bay Breeze (feat. Stan Evans & Tony Peebles) 4:29
5 Night Out (feat. Matt Godina) 4:30
6 Smooth Jazz Alley (feat. Joel Del Rosario) 5:20
7 Montgomery Station (feat. Eric Marienthal & Carlyle Barriteau) 5:20
8 Bubba (feat. Stan Evans & Carlyle Barriteau) 5:17
9 New Hope (feat. Tony Guerrero) 5:18
10 Livin' in NYC (feat. Stan Evans & Matt Godina) 4:27
 

Further reviews:


Been A Long Time Comin'