Contact me at: gingerdee@atlantajazz.info
or
myspace.com/gingerdee
Jazz Vibes by Ginger Dee
Reiff Jr. - Funky Flavas Da Roof Records 2003
Swedish guitarist, composer and producer “Soren” Reiff Jr’s latest release is “Funky Flavas”. Reiff Jr. is primarily known in the industry for his work as a R&B/hip hop and jazz session musician as well as serving as music director to some the greats in the business - Chaka Khan and David Sanborn; playing alongside and or recording with the likes of Michael Brecker, Tower of Power, Robert Palmer and Toots Thielemanns.
With that resume, his latest effort is a refreshing reflection of multiple musical styles intermingled and packaged for those who enjoy a variety of textures. This CD is obviously influenced by Soren’s many musical experiences. “Move On Closer”, the CD opener, is flirtatious in pace; with a direct invitation into the next track “If Anybody Wants to Know” with Reiff’s guitar singing alongside a cool set of vocals. Soren does a good job sprinkling vocal tunes through-out this CD as evidenced in “Relaxin”, “Thought” and “Growing Love”, the ladder one of my favorites, featuring a vocalist named Rikke Molgaard – watch out for her!
Add a jazz-fusion like tune to any smooth jazz CD, and Ginger Dee is hooked! “Keep Your Cool” applies the appropriate amount of Larry Carlton-esq progressive rock without offending the ear. His guitar solos are complex yet groovy and complimentary. Harmonic structures strategically placed make the CD less intimidating to the natural ear. Don’t be mislead, Soren Reiff Jr. places his flag on Plymouth Rock in this very convoluted landscape of smooth jazz records versus the instrumental records that are now being marketed as “Smooth Jazz” that we are now being forced fed.
Pop this one in when making your way through your “Honey Do” list on Saturday afternoon - see how much you accomplish.
Respectfully submitted by
Ginger Dee
for
Atlanta Jazz.Info
www.myspace.com/gingerdee
Ginger Dee's archive of reviews
Marcus Miller CD....FREE
This release features an all-star cast of characters –Poogie Bell, Lalah Hathaway, Paul Jackson, Jr., Keb' Mo', Dave Sanborn, Tom Scott, Michael "Patches" Stewart, Bernard Wright, and Corinne Bailey Rae. Marcus begins with a tune called “Blast!” thematic to his concert openers during the North Sea Jazz Festival and continues in to “Funk Joint” – the first two tracks for the true funkateers.To read more...