Chuck Loeb - eBop (2003) [CD-Rip]

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