Kim Waters - You Are My Lady (2007)

Every once in awhile, in brief outbursts on this predictable smooth date, Kim Waters shows that he can play his horns, hinting at Eddie Harris and Grover Washington, Jr. Unfortunately, You Are My Lady otherwise sticks to repetitive grooves, obvious and mildly soulful saxophone riffs, and endless melody statements. Kim Waters and Chris "Big Dog" Davis play all of the unidentified electronic instruments, with occasional contributions from a guitarist. Since the cover blurb says that this is "The most sensuous CD yet from the Smooth Urban Jazz chart topper," one knows from the start that this is not a creative jazz project and that the performances are meant for romantic backgrounds for couples who prefer repetition, unimaginative music and a complete lack of surprises. The music is always danceable and not a single note would distress a smooth radio programmer. ~ Scott Yanow