Ultrablue - Ultrablue (2006)

A collaboration of some of New York's behind-the-scene's musical heavyweights, Ultrablue offers up R&B-tinged smooth jazz with Big Apple attitude. The primary creative force behind their unique sound is pianist/producer John Smatla, a well-seasoned musician with hefty experience in both the pop and jazz worlds, and Dave Stryker, an acclaimed jazz guitarist and reputable sideman, with more than a few A-listers on his track record. Smatla, having cut his teeth with pop groups like Quiet Riot and Debbie Gibson before shifting focus to the smooth jazz world, brings a valuable pop sensibility to the table. Stryker has an impressive history, holding the guitar slot with Stanley Turrentine for nine years, and playing and recording with headliners Eliane Elias and Kevin Mahogany. Ultrablue's lineup is filled out with a number of recognizable names, like Latin jazzer John Benitez, vocalist/percussionist Phillip Hamilton, and saxophonist David Mann. This is their second release as Ultrablue, and features some very notable guests: flautist Nestor Torres and Randy Brecker lend their considerable talents and name recognition to the pool. With interesting harmonies and effective, memorable, melodic hooks, not to mention the production, which has been buffed to a high gloss, Ultrablue's sound is both catchy and sophisticated. A surefire win with smooth jazz crowds. -- Evan C. Gutierrez