Hironobu Saito - The Sea (2005)

Second album on Fresh Sound Records by this talented Japanese guitarist. Having performed and received numerous awards in his home of Miyazaki Japan in the '90s, he earned a scholarship at Boston's Berklee School of music in 1999 and is currently performing in many venues in New York. In this release he plays both electric and acoustic guitar. His tone is even and full and his chops hint of an early George Benson with smoothness, agility, and control. His seminal bandmates are also impressive, with a potent rhythm section and stellar musicianship. Particular interest goes to pianist Milton Fletcher and saxophonist Walter Smith who provide outstanding lead voices along with the guitarist.

Hironobu Saito (g), Walter Smith III (ts), Milton Fletcher (p, Fender Rhodes), Yasushi Nakamura (b), Eric Harland (d, perc, vcl), Gretchen Parlato, Wade Collin (vcl)