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Buy this CDIn recent years, many smooth jazz fans have come to take notice of bass player, David Hughes, seen mostly during his current touring gigs with David Benoit and the Jazz Crusaders.  Or you may have even heard his first solo release, Swoosh, back in 2003.  Well, David Hughes is back with his second release, Foreign Shores.  And if I had to reveal my top ten list for 2007 so far, this would be on it! 

Where Swoosh was a predominantly bass CD, after all, David is a bass player; Foreign Shores reaches well beyond just the bass and opens wide.  Not only does this album contain ten original compositions and only one cover, but also includes some of today’s heavy hitters in smooth jazz and pop.  Adding their contributions to this CD are Eric Marienthal, Gregg Karukas, Katisse Buckingham, Andy Suzuki, Jamey Tate, and on vocals, Justin Guarini (yes, the Justin Guarini).

The CD contains two vocals.  The first is the opening track, “Brazil,” which gives the expected Spanish flavor.  The bass provides the bottom groove while the piano (Michael Bluestein), flute (Katisse Buckingham), and trumpets (Larry Williams and Mindy Cabral) take over the melody.  The flute solo by Katisse is truly flawless and David’s own bass solo makes you wonder how the heck he can play like that!  Justin Guarini provides scatting that perfectly mimics the melody.  The second vocal, “I Wish,” is the album’s only cover tune.  Justin Guarini again provides the vocals on this updated version of the classic Stevie Wonder song.  His voice and David’s arrangements give this a new flavor to enjoy.

The rest of the CD is nothing but original instrumentals that really keep your attention.  “Foreign Shores” is mostly a piano/flute piece with Michael Bluestein playing the ivories alongside Andy Suzuki on flute.  This is so reminiscent of old David Benoit music with its slight Asian sound.  One of my favorites is “Beautiful Downtown Burbank,” a fun, up-tempo piece that makes you feel like taking a brisk walk in the sunshine.  Jamey Tate gives us the beat while Michael Bluestein is on piano paired with the Hammond B3 from Nate Tschetter.  “Love” is a very strong, dynamic song featuring Gregg Karukas on piano and Eric Marienthal on sax.  Both instruments trade off on lead taking you on a terrific musical journey.

Andy Suzuki comes back on the flute on the track “Romantico,” which also gives David Hughes some spotlight time of his own on both acoustic (upright) bass and bass guitar.  It is a peaceful song with a catchy tune and wonderful bass solo by David.  Towards the end, Michael Bluestein just lets loose on piano.  Gregg Karukas and Eric Marienthal team up with David again on “Your Sweet Voice.”  This time David plays bass, Rhodes, and keyboard.  It is definitely a romantic song, invoking a gentle feel.  From day one of listening to this CD, “London” has been a favorite.  With Jamey Tate banging out the beat, David’s bass leads the whole way through, but is surrounded by rich piano and horns.  It’s fun, fast paced and exciting.  “Snowflakes” is also bass driven, but has more of an improvisational feel.  The piano and bass just flow together painting a beautiful picture.  “Grace Peace Earth” is nothing but David Hughes.  It is quite introspective, like the musician himself, and played with deep feelings and finesse.  Closing out the CD is “Kathmandu.”  It starts out feeling almost classical in nature.  Andy Suzuki on sax helps the song build into the featured piano serenade as the song again brings an Asian flavor to the foreground, giving way to another great bass solo.   

David Hughes has really soared with this CD and shown not only his musical ability in playing, but his incredible writing, arranging and producing talent.  Foreign Shores will take you on a journey that you are certain to enjoy.  Check out David’s website (www.swedebass.com) for more information.

- Bonnie Schendell



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