Customer Reviews

It's All Good

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

'It's all good' because (1) Brian has not release anything since 1995 (Closer Still) and now he is back. Even though he has been the main stay musical director for Dave Koz the last 8 years and has traveled in the past with George Duke, Larry Carlton and Gerald Albright among others. It is great to see him in the studio with his own release. (2)The musical selections fit today's smooth Jazz efforts, but still reveals a touch of a true veteran jazz musician (with a flair of pop). The JazzeOne did not highlight any special tunes for this review because 'it's all good'. If you do not know Brian Simpson, check out this project and if you do know him, enough said because and I repeat 'it's all good'. To say that about an entire album is rare. Put this CD on and enjoy a talented musician at work 'it's all good'. ~the JazzeOne

It's hard to compare his music style with Brian Culbertson but he is just as good if not better. I can't believe it's been 10 years since his last cd (Closer Still). These are two very nice cd's. He lays out some nice rhythms on the keys. Very jazzy and soulful sounds. This guy should not have been away from doing his own thing for so long. This cd was very well recorded. Can't go wrong with this one so check it out. It's all good for real.

I'm a long time fan of Gregg Karukas, Jeff Lorber, and Brian Culbertson, but somehow had managed to miss Brian Simpson. Fortunately, I caught a cut from this CD on the local smooth jazz station and knew I had to hear more. Not only is Brian a terrific keyboardist, he produced, arranged & recorded the entire CD. Also, he wrote (or co-wrote) all but one song. I really appreciate his ensemble sound, making great use of guitar and horns(including Tony Maiden, Marc Antoine, Dave Koz, Michael Lington, Everette Harp, Ron King...to name a few of the great musicians involved). He leads the group through several jazzy styles, including smooth, contemporary, a blues cut and a more traditional jazz track, "Au Contraire". This album is filled with memorable melodies & "hooks that hook". Its rare for me to find an album I'm not compelled to 'tinker' with(delete tracks, re-arrange the order, etc.), but I am thoroughly enjoying this one "as is". This music is consistently energizing, lifts my spirits and makes me smile. For me, this IS "music therapy". Enjoy!

The title of this cd really speaks for itself. Brian Simpson is a masterful pianist and has put a stellar project together here with some heavyweight smooth jazz musicians. This cd offers something for everyone who listens to it...it is melodic, has groove, and blends the contemporary smooth jazz with a little "old school" jazz, particularly with the last 2 tracks. There is nothing bad here, I highly recommend it. Give it a listen and I'm sure you will also agree it's all good!!!

Brian Simpson blends the best of traditional with comtemporary jazz--the result being his own signature sound. The CD features some of the best jazz musicians in the business. This is a "must have" for jazz piano lovers as well as jazz lovers in general.

Illinois born piano great Brian Simpson is certainly not one to flow the market with new recordings.

Ever since my first of him, "Closer Still" from 1995(!), where I acquired a taste for his musical skills, I have been on the lookout for more.

And finally more has come! It fulfills any expectation to this fine musician, who reminds me a bit of Ramsey Lewis and Gregg Karukas, but who really doesn't need any comparisons.

Excellent tunes, piano playing and sound, good backing musicians, and a fantastic gang of very capable soloists.

Another excellent recording in every respect, I just hope it won't be as long as it has been till another one comes along.

Get it, for someone you want to make happy, and that might very well include yourself

This CD is simply excellent from start to finish. You don't want to skip to just one song - this is meant to be played all the way through because there's not a bad song on it and they all just flow so nicely from one to the next, even though they're all good on their own. We call a book that we're glued to a "page-turner"; this is the CD equivalent of such a book.

I've never been a huge jazz fan, but this CD is turning me into one. I just love it, especially the title tune "It's All Good". That pretty much sums up this CD....it really is all good.

One reviewer wrote "makes me smile". Pretty corny comment but I have to agree! This is truly "feel-good music". I love Simpson's piano and keyboard, but it's even more fun listening to all of the LAYERS in each cut: the bass, the drums, the horns. You can hear something different upon each listening. It's All Good is my themesong during the morning drive to work.

This CD is a good example of smooth jazz quintessence. So seldom do you find a CD where everything is good. Not only all of the tracks but the guest soloists, his keyboard work, the recording, and the choice of styles as well. With his approach to traditional smooth jazz along with the use of the upright bass and a classic bebop tune make this a very entertaining project. Often smooth jazz has become blurred with other musical genres that really do not belong with jazz. This work from Brian Simpson is all jazz---all great jazz.