Year: 2016
Time: 47:05
Size: 108,2 MB
Label: Permanent Music
Styles: Jazz/Smooth Jazz
Art: Front
Tracks Listing:
1. Downtown - 4:51
2. The Cool Side (feat. Norman Brown) - 4:58
3. One More Time - 4:13
4. Celia - 5:10
5. After the Rain - 4:23
6. Rise up (feat. Everette Harp) - 3:52
7. New Day - 3:50
8. River Nile - 6:04
9. Always There (feat. Johnny Britt) - 4:43
10. Paris Spring - 4:58
After attending a concert a H.O.M.E. featuring Herman Jackson’s Quartet I was more than interested in listening to his newly released CD, “The Cool Side.” His style and musicianship displayed that evening had me intrigued. As I delved into his discography I realized that I had been listening to his performances well before that evening. He has played, recorded, arranged, conducted and toured with some of music’s elite talent in R&B, Jazz, Pop and Groove as well as being apart of television’s best musical offerings. So as I sat down to listen to Jackson’s CD, I knew I was in for an enjoyable experience.
Herman Jackson put it all on the line, not only did he play keyboards but he wrote and produced all of the cuts. Taking his baton in hand, Jackson orchestrated an ensemble of artists who interpreted his vision of cool. Featured artists on the recording included guitar great Norman Brown on “The Cool Side” and the sensational sax of Everette Harp on “Rise Up”. Playing trumpet, flugelhorn and vocals was Johnny Britt. Along with his trumpet skills, Britt also collaboratively wrote with Herman on “One More Time” and “Always There.” Adding their talents to the CD on bass: Alex Al and Cornelius Mims, guitar: Rob Bacon and Tim Stewart, drums: Teddy Campbell, Percussion: Kevin Ricard, Joshua Aguilar Trombone: Johah Levine and Tenor Sax: John Usry, an amazing array of extremely talented musicians.
An upbeat “Downtown” began the adventure to a relaxed destination without a traffic jam in sight. The title track, “The Cool Side,” promised a place to unwind to the smooth groove of Norman Brown. “One More Time” satisfied a craving with its easy feel, and catchy melody. A funky horn section and a soothing flugelhorn solo were the perfect touch. Two beautifully, soulful numbers “Celia” and “After The Rain” spoke of sweet love and a renewal of spirit.
As “Rise Up” began the second half, Everette Harp’s distinctive sound uplifted this cut nicely and complimented the next selection “New Day” which continued the positive vibe. “Nile River” was inspired when Jackson was on tour in Egypt with Stevie Wonder and I felt transported to a contemplative place far away from the everyday. “Always There, ” serenaded with its mellow horns and seductive vocals and kept the tranquil vibe going. In closing, “Paris Spring” spoke of a romantic stroll by the River Seine leaving a lasting impression.
Throughout the entire CD Herman Jackson’s cohesive groove and style flowed smoothly and with an ease that showcased his many talents. Considered a “renaissance man of music,” Herman Jackson has created new works that will surely resonate with Smooth Jazz fans and have them clamoring for more.
The Cool Side
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