Customer Reviews

Rock Steady

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Scottish-born sax Maestro Richard Elliot was one of the performers who defined the smoother side of jazz's fusion sector in the 1980s.
He is still at it, refining his groovy, funky style in the company of ace musicians and adding new ingredients.
Thanks to some of the greatest jazz artists in the businees (sax master Gerald Albright, trumpeter supreme Rick Braun and legendary keyboardist Jeff Lorber, French star Philippe Saisse, among others), Richard Elliot works some of the classic '60s/'70s soul-jazz-pop style tracks into his signature sax sound mix.
Once again he hits the mark with one of those dynamic, energetic, soulful smooth jazz discs that could keep the dullest party humming.
It's his tested and tried winning formula which works on this set, but sometimes he takes the opportunity to baffle his fans with some growling and purring sounds from his saxophone.
Gerald Albright is a notable emissary from the seductive Quiet Storm front, along the songstress Lynne Fieddmont.
Highlifhts are the classic Aretha's anthem (the title track), as well as first radio single, the Curtis Mayfield's "Move On Up", originally recorded by the Impressions.
Overall, this is a top quality and varied set that will have broad appeal.
While not a major departure from his previous discs, "Rock Steady" should please longtime fans and perhaps attract a few new ones.

this is what Boney James should listen to for instructions for his next cd... SKIP EVERYTHING and go directly to track 8...ROCK STEADY...de nada...that's the 1 selection that you paid all that money for BUT THERE'S MORE-skip to Keep on Truckin' that's right, it stays true to the game..what u gonna play NOW?! track 2 STRAIGHT UP which is straight up fresh and straight up some groovin' Jeff Lorber. Can you slow it down and still bob your head? Restless and License to Chill fills the bill now your neighbors are at the crib asking "what is that?!" you play Spindrift and offer them a drank like they entered a club, switch it up to Move on Up and finally say..."NO,NO MY BRUTHA, YOU GOTS TO GET ONE OF YOUR OWN...."

I did not believe he could follow up the great "Metro Blue", but he did. "Straight Up" has a very nice rhythm, "Yaquala" is definitely creamy smooth and will get the ladies in a kissing mode. "Retro Boy" is definitely cruise control in the cars, as is "Spindrift". "Keep On Truckin" really got me and stayed true to the rhythm of the original song. This is the first time I heard the song covered. Overall, this CD is a must. Keep on truckin' with the next CD, I can hardly wait.

El Pato in Gastonia

I discovered Richard Elliot when I heard him play live with Rick Braun. He stole the show, and I ran right out to buy this CD. I've bought a few others since (including R&R, the Rick Braun/Richard Elliot duo, which is eh), but this is my favorite so far. Elliot's soulful, sometimes powerful, often sexy sound is a far cry from the syrupy goo that gives smooth jazz sax a bad name. He is in control of the music - there is nothing over-produced- and his ability to evoke emotion through the horn makes you want to come back for more. The first track, "Move on Up," is a little too kitchy for my taste, but the others more than make up for it. "Rock Steady" is a funked up version of the old classic with tons of energy, but unlike most reviewers, it's not my favorite. "Restless" IMO is the best on the CD - a steaming hot performance, restrained licks,oozing groove. RE's a great talent - looking forward to filling in the holes in my collection!

You would think that a veteran saxophone player like Richard Elliot would have done his best work already and that the newer stuff that he puts out now would only be mediocre or 'fair' at best. However, in 2009 Richard comes out with another album and knocks it out of the park again.

And this is an album that has all thrillers and no fillers.

I mean, I love everything about this album.

Also, even though I'm not a big fan on most cover songs, the selection of the cover songs on this album are just great. And not ones that you have heard over and over again by other smooth jazz artists. Plus, the arrangements of these songs are just excellent.

And two of my favorite orignal songs are the Jeff Lorber influenced "Straight Up" and the Elliot/Braun written "Retro Boy." Also, the first time that I heard "Straight Up," I was pretty much turned out. As a matter of fact, I'll ditto that for "Retro Boy" too.

But anyway, keep on keepin' on, Richard Elliot...as I look forward to seeing what else you have in store for us with your next album.

And by the way, I almost forgot to mention that it's not just the songs and the music that makes Richard's music great, but also Richard's sax 'voice' too, which is demonstrated in the song, "Candice Dance" and others.

I love listening to Smooth Jazz Sax players..........but of all of them out there, Richard Elliot is far and away my favorite. There is just something soulful and honest in the way he plays. Plus, he is one of the greatest and hardest working entertainers we have seen live....and we have seen him here in St Louis, many times!

I can't wait to hear him again in St Louis soon.........I hope.

I've had the "honor" of seeing Richard Elliot LIVE around 15 times. He is truly a master! You will not be disappointed with this CD. One of his BEST and I've got ALLLL of them. And if you should ever get the pleasure of seeing and hearing him in person....you'll truly be blessed. Rock Steady is a great CD. Thank you Richard!

I am always excited when I get ahold of such quality. This is listening paradise. Thank you,

This entire CD is just completely awesome. I love every song and that is rare for me. Track 6 License to Chill is my favorite. Richard rocks!!!

Richard rocks steady on his new release, Rock Steady! Every cut is good - no clinkers. If you like Richard Elliot's style - you'll like this CD!