Fattburger - Fattburger.Com (2000)

Despite the digital-age title, veteran smooth-jazz group Fattburger serves up the same high-calorie goodies it has for the past 14 years on this, the group's 10th album. Again, the music sways and the hooks come fast and often. The underlining premise offered by keyboardist Carl Evans Jr., drummer Kevin Koch, bassist Mark Hunter, guitarist Evan Marks, and percussionist Tom Aros seems to be: Hey, you know what you're in for with a Fattburger CD, so relax and groove a while.

"You've Got Mail!" opens and serves as a template for what's to follow, with Marks' unassuming guitar trading riffs with Hollis Gentry III's restrained saxophone over a midtempo melody. More of the same is offered on "Joy," "No Problem," "Groove Y2K," and others, including a remake of Anita Baker's "Same Ole Love." There are some slight variations on a theme, most noticeably on "Nice Bits," where Marks stretches some with rock-guitar lines.

"Trail of Tears" is obviously inspired by American Indian culture, with Tom Aros'
percussion ably conjuring up a midnight drum circle. The song propels forward, the incessant beat keeping time under Marks' gliding guitar work.

Overall, the CD reminds us why the group has stuck around for so long - its members sound like they enjoy what they're doing, without pretensions. it's all about vibe and good feelings - qualities that will help keep our world human. ~ Brian Soergel -- JAZZIZ Magazine