Gerald Veasley – Velvet

Seems to me that too many Contemporary Jazz Artists employ too few musicians on their CD releases, instead choosing programmed electronics. But Smooth Jazz Bassist Gerald Veasley has gone opposite of that trend, employing 18 vocalists and instrumentalists (not including 2 drum programmers) on 14 tracks. I prefer to listen to actual instruments (true groove) over programmed beats and synthesized sounds, and this release does well in that respect.

There are some nice grooves (“Coup Deville, Let’s Do It Again, Luscious, Velvet, Still Movin’ On) some “blue light mood” (“Forever, It’s Alright-Tonight’s The Night, Home”), the Groovin’ on a Sunday afternoon-like “Sarah’s Song,” and yes, there is some funk (Put on Your Sunday Clothes, Bread Puddin’)

This CD definitely owns more of an urban feel that smooth jazz-ers would find a pleasure to have in the car during a nice outing. The solos are average, as is lots of the material, and there are no “big names.” Nothing really grabs me, but smooth jazz-ers will probably give this one about 4 stars. I take away ½ for not combining “Sunday Clothes with the reprise and making it into one big ‘Funk Fest.’