Featured Artist: Jeff Lorber
CD: Heard That
Record Label: Peak
Style: Contemporary Jazz
Year: 2008
For some reason or the other, there is a tendency to allow labels to interfere with what quality jazz should be about or sound like. Unfortunately, these labels have destroyed the music to some degree; plus, they have interfered with an artistic appreciation of the genre. Some musicians have managed to re-define the whole process of categorization in an era torn between contemporary vs. smooth jazz. These are the craftsmen and rise like cream to the top of a gourmet cup of coffee. Keyboardist Jeff Lorber has done exactly that over the years and continues to do so in spite of the immense controversy. His latest release entitled ‘Heard That’ on the Peak Record Label, a CD that is enhanced by the funk and circumstance of contemporary jazz ideology.
With a track record that reads like a “Who’s Who in Contemporary Jazz,” Jeff has been plowing his brand of music for more than 31 years and has recorded 21 albums. ‘Heard That’ fits a long established mold of continuity by pushing the elemental aspects of jazz in a creatively energized manner. Often classified as a smooth jazz or National Adult Contemporary artist, Jeff does not always fit into that make believe style. As a fusion artist who melds the musical influences of jazz, R&B and funk into one unique offering, Lorber’s perspective is energetically vibrant and melodic. As heard on his latest release, the upbeat tempos are harmonically unique and his melodic grooves are captivating to say the least.
‘Heard That’ is a specialized blend of cover songs and original compositions. Driven by the influences of such notable talents as Rick Braun, Eric Darius, Gerald Albright, Gary Meek Paul Jackson, Jr. to name a few, Jeff Lorber expands the level of conscious to a point where nothing is left to be desired. Tracks such “Come On Up” and “You Got Something” are toe-tapping standouts, while the rest of the album runs the gamut of moderately upbeat rhythms. The combined impact of this release has a positive impact and is not dull by any stretch. The impressive blend of Meek’s flute, Darius’ and Albright’s saxophones melds well Lorber’s keyboard antics. The rest of the merry men to include the writing talents of Rex Rideout all come together as a brilliantly conceived release.
Although the lines between smooth and contemporary jazz are not always distinct, Jeff Lorber has managed to distinguish himself quite well as one of the genre’s most dynamic artists. With an uninhibited ability to bridge the gap between fusion and contemporary styles, Jeff has withstood the intrusion of instrumental pop into jazz. ‘Heard That’ is the continuing saga of one of jazz’s premier keyboardists. Year after year, Jeff Lorber has continued to expand his realm of influence as a musical communicator and innovator.
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