Grady Nichols - Sophistication (2004)

"The title says it all...SOPHISTICATION. This indeed is a sophisticated, polished, impeccably produced and performed Smooth Jazz sax album! It sounds like someone who's been around a long time, is totally comfortable with this music, and has surrounded himself with some of the best in the biz, like Jeff Lorber (who, by the way, calls Grady "the awesome new sax player of the millennium."), as well as Chris Botti, A. Ray Fuller, and Paul Brown. This album overflows with quality, as well it should with Grady's superb playing (mostly on the alto sax), Jeff Lorber producing and Paul Brown mixing. This Tulsa family man is totally tuned in to what works in Smooth jazz, and has delivered it in abundance on this, his 4th release (first for Compendia). The first radio single, "Allright," is already in power rotation on many Smooth Jazz radio stations, and there are more hits ready to go on this collection. The funky "Livin' the Life," the perfectly smooth "Dinner and a Movie," and the seductive "End of the Night," featuring Chris Botti, are just three that stand out for me. There are no clinkers at all on SOPHISTICATION, it's all very good. This is one of those "no-brainer" albums. If you love Smooth Jazz, then getting Grady Nichols' SOPHISTICATION into your private music collection is pretty much a given. Enjoy!" ~ Scott O' Brien - SmoothJazz.com