Everette Harp - Better Days (1998)

Everette Harp plays well enough throughout this release, but the songs are overproduced and lack any real spontaneity. The music is essentially instrumental melodic R&B, which is fine for dancing and smooth jazz radio stations but does not reward close or repeated listenings. There is a cameo appearance from trumpeter Rick Braun, but the other sidemen lack any real personality, doing the job without adding any sparks. Other than a few vocal tracks (most of the singing is in the background), Harp is in the forefront throughout. His fans will enjoy this soothing and danceable set even if no surprises occur. -- Scott Yanow