Chuck Loeb: Between 2 Worlds (2009)

Creatively, Chuck Loeb has had his ups and downs over the years. Some of his albums have been disappointing, but other Loeb releases have been a lot more memorable. The self-produced Between 2 Worlds, it turns out, is among the veteran guitarist's more consistent efforts -- not to mention one of his more organic. Excessive production has been a problem for Loeb at times; having a great deal of production and programming is fine for electronica, new age, and hip-hop, but it can become quite an albatross in a medium such as improvisation-driven as jazz. Thankfully, Loeb doesn't overproduce on Between 2 Worlds, and his lyrical guitar playing has plenty of room to breathe this time. In terms of production, less is undeniably more on an album that emphasizes pop-jazz but also contains some straight-ahead post-bop. Between 2 Worlds, which was recorded in New York City and Berlin, Germany, tends to be commercial, although it is tastefully commercial. "360" and "Early Turns to Late," for example, fall into the easy listening category, but they have some substance and avoid becoming outright "elevator muzak"; the same goes for Brazilian-flavored items such as "Hiram," the title track, and Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Sу Tinha de Ser Com Vocк" (which features singer Carmen Cuesta). Meanwhile, "Let's Play" and "The Great Hall" (as in Jim Hall) are straight-ahead post-bop, and this 65-minute CD moves into funky soul-jazz territory on "Mittens" and the boogaloo-ish "Let's Go" (both of which feature saxophonist Eric Marienthal, formerly of Chick Corea's Elektric Band). Between 2 Worlds isn't a remarkable album, but it is definitely a good, satisfying album -- and the fact that Loeb's guitar playing isn't suffocated by an unnecessary amount of production is obviously a plus. ~ Alex Henderson

Personnel: Chuck Loeb (guitar); Lizzy Loeb, Carmen Cuesta (vocals); Eric Marienthal (flute, saxophone); Till Bronner, Nathan Eklund (trumpet); Dieter Ilg, Gerald Veasley, Will Lee (bass guitar); Dave Weckl, Wolfgang Haffner (drums); David Charles, Bashiri Johnson (percussion); Pat Bergeson, Brian Culbertson.

Tracklist:
01. Let's Go feat. [Brian Culbertson & Eric Marienthal] (6:48)
02. Hiram [feat. Will Lee] (5:46)
03. Mittens [feat. Till Bronner & Eric Marienthal] (6:43)
04. Between 2 Worlds (5:37)
05. Oh No You Didn't [feat. Lizzy Loeb] (4:22)
06. Let's Play (5:19)
07. So Tinha De Que Ser Com Voce [feat. Carmen Cuesta] (4:21)
08. The Great Hall (6:56)
09. Mean Old Man (7:10)
10. 360 (5:40)
11. Early Turns To Late [feat. Pat Bergeson] (6:14)
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Chuck Loeb: Presence (2007)

Though he occasionally branches out into other styles, Chuck Loeb is at heart, a pop-oriented smooth jazz guitarist. Presence finds Loeb smack in the middle of his comfort zone. "Llevame" adds some Latin percussion and murmured female vocals, "The Western Sky" incorporates a vaguely new age synth wash, and "The Music Outside" flirts a bit with quiet storm R&B, but at heart, this is utterly straightforward smooth jazz with Loeb's laid-back, tasty soloing front and center. Even the pair of pop covers, Steely Dan's "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" and James Taylor's "Shed a Little Light," are transformed into showcases for Loeb's inimitable style. Unapologetically mellow and buffed to a high-sheen gloss, Presence is smooth jazz for folks who think they just don't make smooth jazz records like this anymore.

Tracklist:
1 Good to Go - Loeb, Snitzer 5:17
2 Rikki Don't Lose That Number - Becker, Fagen 5:37
3 Window of the Soul - Loeb 4:07
4 Starting Over - King, Loeb 6:14
5 Llevame - Cuesta, Loeb 4:29
6 Presence - Loeb 5:45
7 The Music Outside - Dion, Loeb 6:08
8 The Western Sky - Loeb 5:04
9 Hangin' with You - Loeb 4:26
10 Mr. Martino - Loeb 4:54
11 Shed a Little Light - Taylor 5:24

Personnel: Chuck Loeb: guitars, keyboards, fender and synth bass, drum and percussion programming; Lizzy Loeb: flute; Wolfgang Haffner: drums; Nathan Ecklund: trumpet and trombone; Dave Mann: saxophone, flutes and horn arrangement; Ron "Buttercup" Jenkins: bass guitar; Will Lee: bass; Matt King: piano; Brian Killeen: bass; Josh Dion: drums and percussion; Carmen Cuesta: vocals; Carl Carter: bass; Mike Ricchiuti: piano and Rhodes; Till Bronner: trumpet and flugelhorn; Christian Diener: acoustic bass; Mitchel Forman: strings and string arrangement; Andy Snitzer: alto ax; Tom Schumann: piano; Brian Dunne: drums

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Eric Marienthal: It's Love (2012)

Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is among contemporary jazz's busiest talents. On the day that It's Love was released, Marienthal also played a starring role on the Jeff Lorber Fusion entry Galaxy. The two albums reflect Marienthal's varied talents, as both a creative improviser and a lover of groove-oriented popular music. It's Love was produced by guitarist Chuck Loeb, who also appears throughout the set. Also in this studio band are Yellowjackets' keyboardist Russell Ferrante, drummer Gary Novak, and bassist Tim Lefebvre. Marienthal's love of pop-soul is displayed on the album's opening number, a cover of Brenda Russell's iconic "Get Here." Introduced by Ferrante's piano and spare percussion and guitar, Marienthal's alto moves right into the melody and sticks close while digging deep into his horn's grain for emotion. When the key change happens, he syncopates the lyric flow and allows the melody to guide him. While this track has been covered by many singers, pulling it off in a contemporary jazz setting isn't easy. The temptation to show off one's chops at the expense of the tune is everywhere; Marienthal's discipline keeps him honest and he lets its original intent flow right through to the listener. He switches gears on a 21st century reading of Irving Mills' "In a Sentimental Mood," which doesn't resemble any instrumental version out there -- Loeb's solo guitar intro evokes Wes Montgomery before Ferrante and Marienthal enter and return what has long been a vehicle for jazz improvisation back into a lyric song. The title track is a haunting ballad co-written by Marienthal and Loeb, while the latter's "Two in One" is a midtempo groover with Marienthal soloing on soprano. "Babycakes" and "St. Moritz" were co-composed by the saxophonist with Lorber. The former evokes the Crusaders circa 1969 and 1970 as Marienthal uses Wilton Felder's soulful phrasing in a gospelized groove while Loeb plays tasty fills а la Larry Carlton. Lorber contributes keyboards and additional guitar, too. On "St. Moritz," Till Bronner's trumpet adds depth, density, and an added lyricism to the breezy Caribbean atmosphere until the midway point, where it gets nocturnal and funky. It's Love is a (mostly) laid-back offering, yet it's solid: beautifully arranged and executed, its silky production and emotive undertones, make it a perfect Valentine's Day soundtrack to boot. ~ Thom Jurek

Tracklist:
01. Get Here
02. In A Sentimental Mood
03. Can't Buy Me Love
04. It's Love
05. Two In One
06. Costa Del Soul
07. Babycakes
08. Café Royale
09. St. Moritz
10. When I Found You
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