Konstantin Klashtorni - Downtown (2004)

In smooth jazz terms ‘Downtown’ is a collection way above the standard of anything normally produced outside the USA. As such it’s a wonderful surprise to the listener. It kicks right off with the title track, a nice piece of up-tempo smooth jazz that cries out to be taken for a fast summer drive with the top down. The title ‘Sunday’, or variants of it, is a popular choice for smooth jazz and soul tunes with great past examples by Lionel Ritchie and Doc Powell to name only two. All seem to have that common feel created specifically for hanging out, eating leisurely breakfasts or perhaps making love. Putting his own particular spin on this ‘Sunday groove’ Konstantin captures perfectly the warm and cosy vibe that makes this a notable track.

‘Funky Story’ is more feel good than funky but has a strident and uplifting tone that would sit perfectly as a television series theme tune while ‘Octopus’ is retro 1970’s R & B that is different enough to play anywhere, particularly in a live setting. One of several mid tempo numbers is the excellent ‘Wild Fellow’. It’s a tune that is enticingly spiced with Hammond organ but it’s when Konstantin turns it down for the slow jams on the album that he is perhaps found at his best.

‘Waiting For You’ is essential sweet, soulful and romantic smooth jazz while ‘Morning Song’ is flushed with the sunlight that can only be found at that time of a summer’s day. My own choice as the standout of the entire album is ‘Lullaby’. It creeps up on you and draws you in with a melody that is laced by luscious and haunting strings. It is ahead of the rest by some way and that’s saying something for this comprehensive collection of smooth jazz that deserves to make its mark both in North America and beyond.