Simple Truth

Amazon.com If spending 10 years with the Rippingtons, then going solo with one of the most played singles in the history of smooth-jazz radio (2000's "Hyde Park (The 'Ah, Ooh' Song") didn't prove that Kashiwa has learned the formula for airplay success, his fourth album will. He's the everyman smooth saxer throughout Simple Truth, sounding like Dave Koz overdubbing his horns on the Steely Dan-influenced "The Good Life," and Marion Meadows on the title track. Meanwhile, "A Quiet Goodbye" is very reminiscent of the David Sanborn/Bob James chestnut "Moon Tune" from Double Vision. Of course, it's natural that he sounds like "that guy from the Ripps" on "Voices" and "Something About You," plus he's aided by former band mates keyboardist Dave Kochanski and the great percussionist Steve Reid. It would be wrong and offensive to label Kashiwa a generic saxophonist, because there is a dash more respect for traditional jazz in his soloing than the literal lip service paid by many smooth horn players; like the genre itself, Kashiwa is the sum of all his influences. If there is such a thing as a pure smooth-jazz artist, this talented saxophonist might fit the bill. --Mark Ruffin Product Description The follow-up to Jeff's smash 2000 debut "Another Door Opens." Produced by Smooth Jazz guitarist Chuck Loeb and recorded in Bonn, Germany, "Simple Truth" features ten all-new original tracks by one of Smooth Jazz's hottest saxophonists. Jeff was the former saxophonist and front man for the Rippingtons, arguably one of the biggest and most successful groups in Contemporary Jazz. His previous album "Another Door Opens" hit Top Fifteen on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart and garnered two Top Five singles ("Hyde Park" and "Around The World"). With "Simple Truth," Jeff is poised to make his mark as one of the most significant saxophonists of the 21st Century. The album includes hit singles "3-Day Weekend" and "Voices." From the Artist "What began as a playful catch-phrase and twist on the concept of 'the truth shall set you free' became something of a mantra for the writing and recording of the album. In every step of the process, I asked myself what was the most straightforward way I could express these musical ideas I had. I only wanted to play and write what I really felt. Heart-driven, not ego-driven, in other words. It became part of our dialogue in the studio. When I had to decide between using solo A or solo B, I'd ask, ‘Which is more truthful? Which is the real me?' "It's gratifying when fans who saw me play with the Ripps now come out and want to hear the new stuff. When they like it, I know I'm heading in the right direction. I've realized the key to standing out and enduring is simply finding what I have inside that's unique and sharing it. If I give the audience my best and write and perform with integrity, I'm going to connect with people. If you're presenting the truth about who you are, it will resonate." About the Artist The title of Jeff Kashiwa's 2000 Native Language debut "Another Door Opens" proved joyfully prophetic. Released just a year and a half after his departure from the Rippingtons, the recording's incredible radio and retail success affirmed the popular saxman's status among the Smooth Jazz elite. With his solo career in full swing, Kashiwa sought a title concept for his latest project which would double as an honest reflection of where his musical heart is. In 2002, it all comes down to the "Simple Truth." A crucial element in creating "Simple Truth" was focus. Rather than embrace the usual routine of recording the tracks in Los Angeles where most of his bandmates live (and where there might be outside distractions), Kashiwa arranged for his entire band to fly to Bonn, Germany, for a week to record at Hansahaus Studios under the engineering expertise of Klaus Genuit. The ensemble on "Simple Truth" includes keyboardist Mark Stephens, guitarist Allen Hinds, bassist Melvin Davis, drummer Dave Hooper, and percussionist and fellow ex-Rippington Steve Reid. Another featured former Rippington, keyboardist Dave Kochanski, has become the saxman's musical soulmate, co-writing many tracks on "Another Door Opens" and five songs on "Simple Truth" with Kashiwa. Perhaps the most exciting new addition to Kashiwa's recording experience is veteran guitarist Chuck Loeb, who brings his traditional and Smooth Jazz expertise to "Simple Truth" as the project's producer. "What I love about [Chuck’s] vision is that he's so versatile. He's well-versed in straightahead jazz, and he's also adapted and become a world-class Smooth Jazz guitarist so it seemed like a perfect fit to produce 'Simple Truth.' The results of these musical pairings are shimmering from the get-go with the bright, brassy hook of "3-Day Weekend" simmering over a soulful blues groove, very much in the tradition of the band Chicago, and, of course, Kashiwa's hit "Hyde Park." The live horn section includes trumpeter Barry Danielian, saxophonist David
ASIN: B00006C2QI
VSKU: DBV.B00006C2QI.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Jeff Kashiwa
Binding: Audio cd
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Condition Notes: Individually inspected: Guaranteed to play perfectly or your money back. Case may show wear and may be in library packaging. Ships Fast!