Chuck Loeb - eBop (2003) 320 kbps

Tracklist

01 - eBop
02 - Brainstorm
03 - Back at the Bistro
04 - Back Then
05 - Bring It
06 - Fool Proof
07 - New Wheels
08 - Stained Glass
09 - Smash
10 - Parallax

Personnel:

Chuck Loeb - keyboards, guitar, bass, programming
Gary Keller - tenor saxophone, flute
Chris Potter - tenor saxophone
Tony Kadleck - trumpet, flugelhorn
Randy Brecker - trumpet, flugelhorn
Mike Ricchiuti - piano, keyboards, programming
Melvin Davis - bass
Will Lee - bass
Mike Pope - bass
Zach Danziger - drums, percussion programming
Brian Dunne - drums

Smooth jazz guitarist Chuck Loeb expands his characteristically mellow sound to include funk, dance, and various other electronic rhythms on eBop. While not as exploratory or funky as one might have hoped, it does evince an organic creativity uncommon to most smooth jazz releases. Loeb is a talented musician often calling to mind the work of George Benson and Wes Montgomery, and his playing is impressive here. Similarly, such stellar guest artists as post-bop tenor saxophonist Chris Potter and trumpeter Randy Brecker help propel the somewhat average programmed groove tracks beyond the norm. ~ Matt Collar