VA - This Is Smooth Jazz Vol. 2 (2000)

Part of Instinct Records' most successful jazz series, This Is Smooth Jazz, Vol. 2 is packed with great contemporary jazz funk, smooth jazz, Latin, soul, acid jazz, groove, and R&B, and is one of Instinct's most appealing compilations to date. The CD features smooth jazz stars Count Basic, Soundscape UK, Joe Fuentes, Chris Standring, and the award-winning the Jazz Steppers. If you have a thing for great guitarists, check out the fine work of Nigel Wallace on "Kabanos" and Peter Legat on "I'm Loving You." If you prefer vocals, then listen carefully to vocalist Kelli Sae who shines with the excellence that only she can give on one of the best R&B/acid jazz compositions available or to newcomers or Espirito who adds an exciting new dimension to the series. This second collection is an excellent update to This Is Smooth Jazz and by adding these latest and most exciting sounds in contemporary jazz, the highly successful series should broaden its international appeal and impact on the various styles of music compiled for it. ~ Paula Edelstein