Customer Reviews

Desert Nights

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Veteran producer/multi-instrumentalist Shaun Labelle, at the urging of so many of his cohorts and others in the business--particularly his close friend/"big brother," saxman Everette Harp--steps out of the shadows on this classy and funky "conversation" with listeners. "Desert Nights" sweats profusely and gyrates criminally as it takes its time to deliver as much aural sensations as possible. I have heard few albums with as many tight, catchy hooks, and I have heard few with more hard-driving precision and obvious detail to the crispness and sharpness of each and every instrument. Meticulously produced would be the appropriate description of this fine product. Whether playing bass or keys (or both, in some cases), Labelle does so with equal ease and makes sure that each carefully laid-out tune sports a melody so well-defined and composed that none sounds even remotely like any of its mates here. In a business where some musicians may tend to get a bit lazy and simply program what worked previously into a current project and dub it a "new direction," Labelle truly plots a new and invigorating course and stays on it. Much credit is due just for that accomplishment.

"Desert Nights" is an album worthy of big kudos and (I personally hope) lots of airplay. Equally worthy of huge kudos is the very humility of Labelle. Having had the pleasure of speaking at length with the artist recently, I was completely intrigued by his total and genuine gratitude towards those who not only assisted in the making of this fantastic production, but to all who've influenced him over the years (George Duke, Marcus Miller, Jeff Lorber, Herbie Hancock, and so many others). Here is the ideal and consummate musician in every sense of the word, never losing sight of the road traveled to get to this point and the many helping hands extended along the way.

You may or may not know of Shaun Labelle the producer, but you certainly won't be disappointed should you decide to treat yourself to a dose of Shaun Labelle the performer. Trust me: You owe this one to yourself.

Ronald Jackson, Smoothjazznow.com, Smoothvibes.com

Desert Nights

Thank you Shaun Labelle and Tom Saviano ! With the airwaves and nightly news filled day after day with negative energy, the release of 'Desert Nights' is a welcome (and much needed) breath of fresh air. Solid, soulful and overflowing with positive energy it has and is the perfect vibe to begin your day or to keep in constant rotation in your car at drive time. This set is the antidote for where we were yesterday and can take us to where we need to be tomorrow. Start listening and start smiling friends... Thanks to multi instrumentalist Shaun Labelle and Sax great Tom Saviano (Exective Producer of Desert Nights) we have the first new release of 2009 to have Grammy nomination written all over it, and isn't it about time.

Rick Varner Senior Editor [...]