My readers know by now that I rarely have very good
things to say about the slew of smooth jazz recordings that come
across my desk. Too often, smooth jazz becomes a dilution of the
things that make jazz such a vibrant idiom - loss of memorable
melody, loss of emotion and wit, loss of memorable
improvisation.
It's a plwasure to say that First Impressions, the
debut CD from Hulon, a Florida born saxophonist, is an exception to
this rule. Strongly influenced by the type of funky jazz that
Grover Washington Jr played before he mellowed out in the
mid-Eighties. Produced by Jeff Kasiwa, one of the better smooth
jazz stars recording these days, First Impressions
moves beyond background music to continually interst, if
unchallenging, music.
The original mateial, either by Hulon or Kashiwa has better than
average hooks, and exceptional playing. Hulon is not afraid to
stretch beyond the cliched sax solo, and his rhythm section of
Melvin Davis and Dave Hooper rarely lets him rest. Click here to
listen to the first single from the CD, "Sax on the Beach" for a
taste of pure Florida sunshine.
Hulon and his wife Dinah are dedicated philanthropists, who have
dedicated time and money to giving back to their community through
their Crayton Foundation. The organization provides minorities with
a feasible way to attain the funding needed to attend college. He
donates a portion of his CD sales and concert appearance to the
charity, making the enjoyment of his music exceedingly
worthwhile.
Click here for an enjoyable interview with Hulon conducted by
92.5 Wrap-Fm Clear Channel Radio.
About the Podcast
The podcast taking you into the world of jazz. Interviews, music, and more! The Six time winner of the JazzTimes Readers' Poll for Best Podcast.