michael lington - PURE
Saxophonist Michael Lington released his first solo CD back in 1997.  Fifteen years later he is still going strong and getting ready to release his seventh CD, Pure, on the Trippin N' Rhythm label. Michael is joined by notable guest artists Michael Bolton (with whom Michael has been touring for the last year or so), Lee Ritenour, Jonathan Butler, Brian Culbertson, Ray Parker Jr., Jeff Golub, Paul Jackson Jr. and many more.

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jeff lorber fusion - GALAXY
In both traditional and smooth jazz circles “Fusion” has become as off-putting as the other “F-word.”  By the time Jeff Lorber started releasing albums with the original Jeff Lorber Fusion lineup in the late 70's that style of music had shed most of the more brazen excesses and morphed into a more accessible blend of contemporary jazz, rock, and R&B with wings that weren't entirely clipped. The long tracks, sharp solos, and driving beats remained but the melodic underpinnings made it more listenable for a wider audience. That is the style that Lorber revisits, reinvents, and reincarnates on Galaxy and all I can say is it's about time someone had the guts to do it. Galaxy's arrival at the turn of the year is a very good sign.

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drew simpson - NOTEWORTHY
Guitarist Drew Simpson recently released ten new songs that are surely to get your attention. He keeps the music here light and lively through out, and it’s a lot of fun to enjoy. The opener is also the title track that is sure to have you tapping away immediately. The riffs play on the positive and are accented with some great solos from trumpeter Chris Bautista and pianist Mark Stephens. It paves the way for Sting’s “Fragile” which is a great addition here and beautifully performed. It is a showcase for Simpson’s acoustic and is accented by both vocals on the chorus as well as another solo from Stephens.

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