Theo Bishop - Newport Nights (2004)

Pianist Theo Bishop's album NEWPORT NIGHTS is contemporary smooth jazz at its best. Bishop infuses his music with some sophisticated jazz harmonies and compelling melodic shifts, and his structural sense is both keen and unique to the genre.

The best example of Bishop's compositional acumen is the upbeat "Child's Play." This tune uses both bluesy turns of phrase and interesting key changes. Further, the last piece on NEWPORT NIGHTS, entitled "How Can I Thank You," is a lovely ballad. This track removes itself from the groove-driven blueprints of smooth jazz and allows for subtle coloration, dynamic shifts, gentle brush work, and interesting chordal variety. Bishop offers listeners several midtempo tracks, replete with sleek production and great crossover appeal. The highlight of the release may be the funky "Too Kool For School," a tune which features punchy brass figures, a vintage Rhodes piano sound, and an infectious backbeat.