Customer Reviews

Chill Factor

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

On "Chill Factor" Richard Elliot succeeds where sadly, so many "smooth jazz" artists fail. "Chill Factor" is engaging and is not merely background music. Richard is ably assisted along the way by a number of accomplished artists. Rick Braun - a personal favourite of mine - lends a hand on the track "Chill Factor," playing flugel horn as opposed to the trumpet. On "This Could Be Real" Siedah Garrett (formerly with the Brand New Heavies) provides the vocals. "Like Butter" is the best track on the album and features guitarist Peter White. My only complaint would be that covers "Adia" and "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" are a little bland: devoid of the funky jazz sound displayed on most of "Chill Factor." Yet, this is a minor objection. If you like Boney James when he is at his funkiest, then this album will certainly appeal to you. Gato Barbieri fans may also like it. However, if you are a Kenny G fan, you shouldn't even be reading this review!

After many CD's by this accomplished muscian, it is this reviewers opinion that Richard Elliot has finally moved to the head of the class. And class is what you get on this fabulous CD (Chill Factor). The first cut off this disc (Moomba) sets the tone for this muscial journey as Richards sax style plays through 10 more tracks. (Chill Factor)the second cut and title from this classy CD brings together Richard Elliot and horn man Rick Braun in a terrific up tempo arrangement. On all of Richard Elliots musical works he always adds fantastic vocals. Similar to his previous work "On The Town" and the cut (Dont Cry Now)vocals by Elaine Woodward. On Chill Factor he gives us the wonderful vocals of Siedah Garrett and background Robbie Nevil on the terrific cut (This Could Be Real). Which could be a fantastic contemporary tune for smooth jazz stations. His rendition of the classic (Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing) would make Ashford and Simpson proud. Richard surrounds himself with some fine musicans on this CD Tim Heintz, Steven Dubin, Lenny Castro, Alex Al and Luis Conte. You also get the fine work of guitar virtuoso Dwight Sills and Peter White. This is an absolute terrific CD cover to cover and finally puts Richard ahead of the class with his fine horn playing. This is a wonderful disc for your collection and is guareented Not to leave you feeling cold.....................

If you want a contemp. jazz cd that you can put in at night and just "Chill" this is the cd to get. Right from the first track you will be put in the mood for a relaxing time. This is a cd you can play for a romantic evening or for a calm party. I own 12 of Richard Elliot's cd's and this is the one I would recommend the most. After that "On The Town" and "Richocet" tie, but those two have a more uptempo tracks compared to this one. This cd is a must have!!!!

This is my first CD by Richard Elliot, and from the moment I heard the title track, 'Chill Factor', I was hooked. There's not a sub-par track on the CD! The transition from smooth & jazzy (Chill Factor) to up-tempo funky (Who?) to sweet R&B (This Could Be Real) makes this CD stand out from others. It's a great piece of work!

This CD has hardly been out of the CD player since I bought it. Every track is superb. Deep Touch (Track3) has got to be the smoothest sexiest piece of sax playing there is. Perfect for making love to (Shame it's only four and a half minutes long) Vocals on This could be real are brilliant. Who (track 5)is so funky. Track 1 is superb. So is track 8. This CD has inspired me to take up the saxophone. This must be my favourite CD in my collection. The man is a genius.

I own about 9 or 11 CD' sby Richard Elliot, & this is by far the BEST CD he has yet to release! My next Favorite Sax Jazz CD is "Sweet Thing" By Boney James. The 2 of them teamed up with Rick Braun would be Awesome, BUT they need to stick to using a REAL Drummer, & not some drum machine! In fact, I would like to see a CD done with the following musicians: Gregg Kaurkas, Keyboards, Paul Jackson, Jr., & Chuck Loeb, guitars, Jimmy Johnson, Bass, Harvey Mason, Drums, Lenny Castro, Percussion, Boney James & Richard Elliot, Saxes, Rick Braun, Chris Botti or Jeff Jarvis, Trumpets - Man, what a sound!

Smooth and as smokey as quality 12 year old scotch, is how this album went down with me. Every set is worth it's weight in liquid gold. The man has got it going on; period. This is the CD you put in the player, push "repeat" and then prepare to be pleasured over and over again. Outstanding vocals, but it's that magnificent sax, which sells the album; outstanding!

Something made me want to experience this type of CD.Usually I would not,but I am glad that I ran with my initial instincts.The saxaphone played with feeling is an extension of the player.I am not a purest,yet you dont have to be to appreciate the clear ,crisp notes delivered by Mr Elliot.The renditions on this offering are jazzy and have that funky feel that distingush it from contemporary players.The feel of this made me think of Candy Dulfer on Lily Was Here,a seriously mature sound.Just as Diana Krall sets herself apart from others by possessing talent ,masterery of instrument and a delivery that is totally professional,I found Richard Elliot's ability to make a tune or a melody come alive very enjoyable and at the same time relaxing.From the opening Moomba,which is a smooth and funky piece through the title track(featuring Rick Braun,on flugal horn rather than trumpet),to the excellent, This Could Be Real,the mood of this collection had me enthralled.Adia and Like Butter,flowed,and the benefit of an responsive sound system highlighted the musicanship and the production qualities.This was simply a delight,and each subsequent listening has reinforced my initial reaction.My congratulations to Ms Siedah Garrett's vocals which compliment the music perfectly and do not overwhelm on This Could Be Real.

I found that this collection lends itself to a number of situations and states of mind.The production of Steve Dublin is flawless and reflects an understanding between himself and Mr Elliot.The undertones of texture and sensuality also help this recording to stand apart,and after all,the saxaphone played as it is here conjures up the images of intimacy and emotion like no other!

I found the keyboards of Tim Heintz to also compliment the feeling of this CD,and I think that the true fans of Mr Elliot would delight at this CD,and for me it was an excellent starting point for me to appreciate a performer at the peak of his skills.I have no hesitation in recommending this to all,and consider this money well spent. I hope to be able to hear further offerings from Mr Elliot's collection.....I am sure I will not be disappointed.4 stars...to be listened to with a excellent red wine..although this is optional,as the auditory effect stands alone.

Richard Elliott won me over from all other sax players when I bought "Chill Factor". When I first got it, I only wanted to hear the title cut. But my CD player did me a favor I'll never be able to pay it back for. Everyday at the same time it would pop on by itself from the timer and this CD would play. The more it played the more I fell in love with it. I then took a long trip down Interstate 20 and this was the only CD that I wound up playing for 13 hours straight. I still can't get enough of it. It's smooth jazz at it's absolute best. 10 of my friend have bought it also. Why don't you be next!

the reason why you can't copy this CD is because it is a 24 bit SACD! you CAN NOT downconvert the format into standard 16 bit (CD audio) without a converter! It DOES NOT matter if they are hybrid or straight SACD's. They will all do this for the most part. DO NOT blame this on the CD manufacturer!

BTW... the CD is outstanding as well.