Larry Carlton - Kid Gloves (1992)

From the opening melody of "Kid Gloves," it is obvious that Carlton's commercial direction wasn't about to change here. It is too easy to dismiss most of this session's output as insipid fluff; however, a closer listen to the "The Preacher" finds an intense Carlton playing a very George Benson-like melody. There is also a bit of an edge to his playing in "Where Be Mosada?" There are of course the standard "lite" songs geared for radio airplay, such as "Oui Oui" and "Terry T." The session's best performance is Carlton's solo rendition of "If I Could I Would," a beautiful chordal solo. Another solid recording which can be appreciated by commercial jazz fans and guitarists. ~ Robert Taylor