Coming off the success of his After Hours CD, pianist/keyboardist Brian Culbertson presented us with a rare gem that has been tough to beat ever since. Hard to believe it has been around since 1997, but Secrets remains a favorite of many. The quiet introverted Culbertson (at that time) wrote many of the nine tracks here and performed many of them on the concert trail over the next few years.

“So Good” has a keyboard warm up giving way to a very melodic piano chorus. This one is all Culbertson and the hook is set early in this instant classic. The melody has a great syncopated back beat that makes this one a lot of fun to clap to in person. Brian still has room for some nice improv on the piano as he shows his chops. “On My Mind” slows the pace down a little. The piano here is deliberate in the approach, with a slight seduction. An instant crowd pleaser, this one features Steve Finkle on sax that adds a lot to the mix. Culbertson’s wavy like keyboard background is the perfect backdrop to his piano. “Backstreet” picks up right where the last song leaves off while pushing up the beat ever slightly. Culbertson’s piano is showcased as it “walks” through the melody to another catchy chorus. Brian showcases a lot of nice work here.

Culbertson brings in a Marcus Miller tune titled “Straight To The Heart.” Joined by the all-star cast of Lenny Castro, Paul Brown, and Paul Jackson, Jr. this becomes one of the more laid back compositions so far. It is a good lead in to the title track. The groundwork for it is deep and mysterious like the secrets Culbertson is writing about. His keys shine over top the rest of the instruments here and Finkle delights once more on the sax. Culbertson, as in so many of his songs, comes back to a central theme only to move away from it towards the end. It’s the reaquantance of this theme that makes us feel good about what we’re hearing. “You’ll Never Find” picks the pace up a little with Brian tickling the keys as before on the melodies. Nanette Frank joins in on the vocals to give this one some added strength. The ever-soulful “One More Day” became a classic right away. The repeated beginning lends it’s self to a deliberate melody that is a real joy to listen to. That repeated beginning finds it’s way back into the middle along with the sax of Gerald Albright. They continue to build into a spectacular ending.

“You’re The One” continues with the same quiet intensity felt in the previous song. The undercurrent carries that theme while Culbertson continues to his piano. The hook here is ever present. It comes full circle when he and Finkle meet towards the middle and modulate into the resounding chorus. (nice) The final cut sounds like one that was brought out a nice little jam session. “At The Backroom” has that jazzy feel to it that makes you think it could go on into the wee hours of the night. Throw in some nice riffs from Richard Patterson on bass and the infectious guitar of Jeff Golub, and you have a hot little number to go out on. Speaking of which, I won’t even tell you about the surprise half way through this one. You’ll just have to hear it for yourself.

So this could easily be one of my “desert island” discs that I refer to from time to time. It was interesting to see Culbertson perform many of these songs back then and see how much he has changed as a performer since then. The one thing that hasn’t changed is what great songs he writes. His melodies are always interesting and take you to nice places. He weaves you into the music and doesn’t let you go. Be sure to check out this gem, and discover some of Brian Culbertson’s Secrets.