William Woods - Cobalt Blue (2004)

On his second album, William Woods (who has shortened his billing from William Kanter Woods) -- doctor by day, pianist by night -- turns in another collection of smooth jazz tunes that are collaborations with Regis Branson, who handles multiple instruments and produces. Cobalt Blue music CDs Saxophonists Vincent Henry ("Out of My Hands"), Mark Friedman ("Drama Queen"), and Robert DeBellis ("Tread Lightly") each contribute to one track, but for the most part the album consists of Branson's musical settings, which support Woods' acoustic piano playing. Cobalt Blue songs That playing is melodic and soothing. Cobalt Blue album It would be easy to imagine the doctor playing this album at a low volume in his waiting room to calm his patients as they wait anxiously to discuss their cancer radiation. There is nothing here to suggest that Woods should quit his day job anytime soon, but the music certainly is on par with what one hears on smooth jazz radio stations, so who knows? ~ William Ruhlmann