Everette Harp - All For You (2004)

Sweet, sexy sax man Everette Harp makes a triumphant on his first CD in four years, on a new label and in charge of his musical direction, as he again returns as producer and the main songwriter. There’s no denying that Harp can play and perform memorable smooth jazz, which he shows on the instrument of choice, the alto saxophone. What you’d expect from Harp is what you get here among the 12 tasty, R&B songs infused with Harp’s passionate playing. There are undeniably catchy fast-tempo tunes such as the summery “Kisses Don’t Lie” and the first single, “Can You Hear Me,” the latter co-written by keyboardist and producer Rex Rideout, who contributes elsewhere on the CD as well.

There are unexpected delights sprinkled throughout, such as some groovy EWI (electronic wind instrument) runs on “Back in Your Arms,” spiced by Rhodes and Clavinet piano sounds that much welcome as you don’t hear those sounds much in smooth jazz anymore. It’s also a pleasure to hear Harp’s longtime collaborator and mentor, George Duke, laying down an inspired synth solo a la Pat Metheny on a groove-fest appropriately called “Groove Control.”

Harp can lay down the languid, cool-breeze sax groove as well as anyone, which he shows on “Hey Yah.” He also reinforces his fondness for genre-switching R&B vocal tunes such as “Time of Our Lives” and “I Like the Way,” the former showcasing his ample vocal chops. Harp tones it down for a cover of Babyface’s “When Can I See You Again,” in which he plays all the instruments, and “In the Blink of An Eye,” a beautifully jazzy respite featuring longtime collaborator George Duke on the Rhodes organ. On this tune, Harp changes sounds by switching to the soprano saxophone, and it’s one of the most emotional smooth jazz songs of the year.

Guitarists Earl Klugh and Norman Brown add their distinctive touches on “Just Like Ole Times” and “I Remember When,” respectively. On the latter tune, Harp switches to the deeper tenor saxophone a la Richard Elliot, which is the perfect counterpoint to Klugh’s plucky and pretty guitar work.

All For You is solid work from a seasoned professional that won’t disappoint his fans. For those who aren’t hip to Harp’s charms, this is a good starting point.