Customer Reviews

Midnight in San Juan

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

 

 

In my younger years, I wouldn't allow any "smooth jazz" albums into my collection. As far as I could tell, the genre seemed overpopulated with untalented, uncharismatic instrumental doodlers - the people who couldn't make it as true jazz musicians. But several gems like this one came along to make me reconsider my categorical ostracization of this type of music. (Other 'smooth jazz' albums outstanding to me are the Crusaders' 'Healing the Wounds' and the Rippingtons' 'Welcome to the Saint James Club').

The catchy opening track, which caught my ear during a stressful drive home, motivated me to go buy this album. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the majority of the tracks withstand repeated listenings. The standout track for me is 'Jamacian Wind,' a contemplative, restful, soulful instrumental ballad.

Earl Klugh plays his guitar with true zest and feeling. His melodic lines seem to speak like poetry. In the context of the lush arrangements, his playing seems effortless, as if his guitar is an extension of his body. When you listen to this record, you'll have no doubt you're listening to a gifted performer who richly deserves to make a living at what he's doing. This album is well worth the money. I really wanted to give it 4 1/2 stars.

Earl Klugh has always been recognized as a fantastic Jazz guitarist (following the school of Wes Montgomery & George Benson)and this album in particular is one of his best. Earl adds a super cool technique of Brazilian touch with compositions like: 1. <Kissin' on the Beach> where he's accompanied by Abraham Laboriel on Bass Guitar and Paulinho DaCosta on Percussions and 2.<Take you there>
also accompanied by Abraham Laboriel, Paulinho DaCosta, by the superb pianist Eliane Elias and Toots Thielmans on Harmonica.
Overall is a great album, don't miss it if you really like Jazz.

It is great to know that thsoe great oldies are still available and at a great price, through Amazon.

Anita

The titles track "Midnight in San Juan" captures what this disc is all about, check it out. A superbly crafted bit of pop-jazz guitar work from one of the early proponents of smooth jazz. Like many jazz lovers there is a certain disdain one feels towards this stepchild of jazz but there are certain artists that elevate the sometimes mundane genre to higher standards. Such is the case with Earl Klugh on this CD as his improvisational skills demonstrate. His guitarwork is impeccable, fast and furious yet melodic. This is mood music and the mood result is relaxed and good.Fine tracks(they all are pretty good) include "Theme For a Rainy Day" which also features nice harmonica work, "She Never Said Why" which is soft romantic sort of song, the Latin-tinged "Momimientos Del Alma" that features a background Latin band sound and " Jamican Wind" that has much of the vibe as the title track;very much like palm trees swaying to the summer breeze.I've had this disc since the early nineties and felt it was I-Pod-transfer-worthwhile to recreate and update those mellow feelings.This is a good smooth jazz entry.