Customer Reviews

Heat

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Heat" is the album # 8 from the Danish born Smooth Jazz saxophonist, whose approach owes something to Grover at times.

A bunch of some of the big names in Contemporary Jazz such as renowned keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, producer Keith Olsen, guitarists Michael Thompson and Kim Pierce, bassists Nathan East and Neal Stubenhaus , and drummers Teddy Campbell and Vinnie Colaiuta lend a hand to the sax master, who introduces two rising female vocalists, U.K. born Keely Hawkes and Nashville based Janie Clewer.
Keyboardists Brian Culbertson and brothers Danny and Michael Sembello also join in.

The clever album taps into the current vogue for Soul/ contemporary jazz music, ranging from infectiously jaunty tracks, through fast, tight funky shuffles to mellow ballads, all perfect vehicles for a distintive sax to deliver some good stuff.

Subtly funky grooves such as "Chuva", with its authentic brazilian sound thanks to Torquato Mariano's touch and "Shout About Ya" and the title song breeze along brightly.

Try also the a rock-edged version of Gerry Rafferty's classic "Baker Street", featuring former American Idol finalist Ace Young and the soft number "Ladyland", along with a much funkier mix such as "Ocean Drive" (wow, can you feel the vibe of South Beach?) or "Memphis".

There are two excellent slow/mid-tempo vocal tracks "That's When You Save Me", featuring legendary vocalist Aaron Neville, and "Angelina".

The beautiful "Nostalgia" closes brilliantly Michael's offering, one of his best ones.

The production is a of a quality that belies the fact that is an independent CD.
My favourte tracks are: "Chuva", "Ladyland" and "Ocean Drive".

The album debuts at # 16 of The Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz.
Enjoy !

I get so tired of buying a CD from a "saxophonist" and getting vocals on most of the selections. If you're going to promote yourself as a "saxophonist", leave the vocals out or plainly and clearly list the number of selections with and without vocals. I purchased this album to have a great sax-only version of Baker Street, only to have someone ruining the selection with poor vocals. If I wanted to listen to a vocal version of Baker Street, I'd rather listen to Gerry Rafferty's version.

Michael Lington's best effort to date, in my opinion. A variety of up tempo and smooth sax. Check out cut #6, "Memphis". Terrific guitar sax & guitar rifs. You won't be disappointed in this body of work. Buy it!!

Since his arrival in the U.S. from his native Copenhagen, sax man Michael Lington has become a fixture on the Smooth Jazz charts... and now, one of the strongest players in the genre makes his return to his original recording label, the newly resurrected NuGroove. Michael's consistently scored hit after hit ever since the late 90's, and his latest release HEAT will easily continue that tradition. The album's first radio single "You and I" is a slam-dunk, and it's already making its move up the charts. Michael's sound is a refreshing and accessible mix of contemporary jazz and pop rock, which has proven to be the perfect formula for his continued success. Add to that the top-notch songs on this release, World-class production and performances we've come to expect from Michael, and this one just can't miss. I'm impressed with the cool vocals Michael's included on HEAT, too, featuring Aaron Neville (the soulfully stirring "That's When You Save Me") plus rising stars Keely Hawkes, Janie Clewer and American Idol finalist Ace Young on Gerry Rafferty's classic "Baker Street." Great pop has solidly held it's place over the years as the strongest, most enduring element in American music, and Michael Lington's latest project is compelling evidence that the trend is still strong as ever. HEAT is a bona fide winner! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN

I saw Michael Lington playing on stage with Michael Bolton-Great sax player-ordered the CD. The CD is now part of the Drive-time music.

We put all his albums on our lobby music system and makes the clients so relaxed. He has such good quality and passion in his music. Worth the buy!

Had a opportunity to see and listen to Michael at the Michael Bolton concert in Reno, NV. I had never heard of him before and was astounded at his talent! He doesn't just stand there and play the sax, but he puts so much personality into his performance. He was exciting (and pretty sexy too) and what a sax player. He is a talent on the rise!

This is the best smooth jazz CD I have listened to. Michael Lington is a genius. I am going to see him perform at a Newport Beach, CA jazz concert on July 4.

Lukewarm CD. I was slightly disappointed in his current CD. I believe he can do better. Hopefully, the next one will be better.