The V.I.P. Club - Coconut Kiss (2001)

The V.I.P. Club is an exciting new ensemble formed by percussionist Wolfgang Haffner. Their debut release, Coconut Kiss, features ten songs written and arranged by Haffner and showcases special guests Chuck Loeb, Kim Waters, Jeff Golub, Will Lee, and Phil Upchurch making great smooth jazz that is mellow and relaxing. Among the standouts on this CD are the title track, which spotlights a piano solo by Jorg Reiter, and excellent horn charts that the Horns Unlimited aggregation brings alive, as well as the radio hit "Into the Light," with Chuck Loeb and Kim Waters capturing their essential unique grooves. Their open, bright sounds and melodic urban feel bring a laid-back feeling to this song. Haffner plays both drums and keyboards throughout the set and creates a well-rounded program for aficionados of smooth jazz and contemporary grooves with this excellent ensemble of world-class musicians. ~ Paula Edelstein