Daniel Chia - In the Moment (2017)

Singapore based saxophonist Daniel Chia is boarding the smooth jazz scene with a stroke of genius. He has hired the best crew that can be found for the production of his first work In The Moment (2017).

With Paul Brown as the producer and co-writer on his side the list of participating musicians is reading like a Who-is-who of the branch. The album has a sonic jump start with Cali Style. The casual lounge style shows us the impeccable handwriting of guitarist Paul Brown. Daniel's sax performance seamlessly integrates in the overall high-level interpretation.

The second track is aptly titled Retro, a reference to the Motown sound underlined by the rhythm and the instrumental environment of Carl Burnett, who knows the roots from his personal experience.

Life’s A Beach has that certain sprightly bounce and vitality many musicians try and never reached. Chia has found the modus operandi et vivendi, certainly with some assistance and patronage of producer genius Brown and multi-instrumentalist Carl Burnett. Tender is a lovingly and elaborately created song, which is particularly distinguished by the musical realization.

Just Because presents a rare novelty, the interplay of two saxophonists. Darren Rahn on soprano sax and Daniel Chia on tenor sax. Saxual harmonization in its natural appearance. The melodious concept of In The Moment partly reminds me of the Winans' hit Heaven, which is a testimony to the vitality of this song. Where Do We Go From Here features songstress Melina, who has released her debut album Wishing On Love under the wings of Paul Brown. A successful synergy from which Daniel Chia can benefit greatly.

Malibu Drive is not the typical west coast smooth jazz. Chuck Cymone gives the tune especially through the hip hop rhythm a certain urban twist. Say You Will is the second vocal piece of the album featuring Dax Reynosa as vocal interpret. Dax already worked on several albums by Paul Brown and other smooth jazz artists like Melina and Marcin Nowakowski.

The final tune Grace comes without big technical games or ballast, just concentrated on the melody and a solid presentation. That way the song shines and is the epitome of where real artistic creativity comes from.

Daniel Chia is lifted with In The Moment into the premier league of smooth jazz. He is one of the hot tickets for the near future.~smooth-jazz.de