Customer Reviews

Ultrablue

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Ultrablue is a great force in the jazz instrumental world--and this CD proves it! The musical arrangements are all extremely well produced and the clarity of the sound by 215 Records is superlative. It sounds just great even when I listened to it a second time on my portable CD player. Ultrablue works hard and plays with an intense passion to produce a smooth, relaxing sound that makes you want to just kick back and relax while drinking a glass of your favorite wine on a plush soft sofa.

Another reviewer writes that the CD is "Ultragood." I had to laugh because it's so obviously true! I listened to it the first time and loved it instantly. The second and third times I listened I was equally impressed and finding new nuances to the music to appreciate.

Look for Nestor Torres contributing on "Jungle Fever;" and the awesome Randy Brecker assists on the track entitled "Soul Candy." A great combination!

Hey, if you want great jazz that is smooth, modern, creative and very beautifully written, look no further. I recommend this CD for any fan of great, quality smooth jazz. And, this is yet another must have CD for those big city jetsetter crowds who would only stay at the world's swankiest hotels! Heck, ANYONE who wants to relax by listening to soothing, beautiful music--you just have to get this and enjoy it! Make sure you get this CD and let's hope their next album isn't far off!

Nobody captures the spirit and essence of a city at night like New York City's own Ultrablue. The group is the brainchild of keyboardist/producer John Smatla and jazz guitarist Dave Stryker, who bring in an NYC all-star cast of players in addition to their impressive band ensemble to create a sophisticated and evocative musical mood. ULTRABLUE is the latest outing for Ultrablue, and the first release on 215 Records. The project drips of chill, smooth jazz, and rich, rhythmic textures that will keep the project in replay mode for a good while in your car and home players and on your iPod. Special guests include singer/saxophonist Pete Belasco, trumpet/flugelhorn player Randy Brecker, female vocal group, Allure, flutist Nestor Torres and Brazilian vocalist Gabriella Anders. From the sexy saunter, "Guilty Pleasures" and the spicy and sultry, "Indiscretions," to the scintillating "Soul Candy," ULTRABLUE provides such a cool groove and flow that it really does lend itself to be the perfect soundtrack to a night out or in (for that matter). Pete Belasco is featured on the sensual cover "The Summer Knows" while Nestor Torres livens things up on the groove, "Jungle Fever," and the delicious Gabriela Anders delivers an alluring vocal on "Destiny." The project's first single, "Shiver," is already attracting radio airplay from coast to coast... We expect big things from Ultrablue on this and all of their future releases. This is the new standard of Smooth Jazz. ~SANDY SHORE

Another sure fire winner from 215 records. ULTRABLUE is a sophisticated, slick production that sounds even better than the cool CD cover which instantly sets the mood. The many shades and textures of smooth jazz and chill music are captured beautifully on this disc.Ultrablue has a vibe, a great overall sound and feel that provides the listener with perfect music to relax to, entertain with, or simply to please your ears. The whole disc is excellent. As a lover of smooth jazz, I highly recommend Ultrablue.

After listening to Ultrablue for the first time, I can say this collaboration is 'Ultragood'. John Smatla lives up to his reputation as the -Studio Guru-. After listening to 'Shiver' and 'One Night With You', I had to find out who was playing on this project. Besides John's great keyboard work, he surrounds himself with Dave Mann, Dave Stryker, John Benitez, Phillip Hamilton and Romero LuBambo. If that entourage was not enough, John brings in the legendary Randy Brecker and Nestor Torres performing nicely on `Soul Candy' and 'Jungle Fever' respectively. The blended vocal efforts of the R&B group Allure (All Cried Out), Peter Belasco (Deeper) and multi-talented Gabriella Anders makes this project `Ultragood'. There is enough versatility on this CD to please any Smooth Jazz listener. Watch out for Ultrablue the group, just like the album, they are `Ultragood'. ~the JazzeOne

I must admit I never heard of Ultrablue or John Smatla until I read the Amazon reviews. The expectations were certainly met when I purchased the CD. Now I love (Luvs) it and not only is it "ultragood", it is ultra-special to me! I took a chance and I am happy I did! Thanks Amazon.com

For those few us who love Jazz- UltraBlue is a must buy. John was able to create music that will last a lifetime. Next time you need some smooth jazz music- make sure UltraBlue is at the top of the playlist.

I have over 3,ooo smooth jazz cds this one is my favorite if you get it you won't be sorry!!!

Great Blues / Jazz Album, lounge laid back feel. Cool, Chill Out music.

gabriela anders is the bomb on destiny, got to love this cd if nothing else for her, my goodness is she so sexy on this hit, thank you amazon for putting her on my list of artist to listen to.

Let me "RIGHT AWAY WRITE WRIGHT'S RIGHT"!! Right? Right!! ; )
Reviewer "Scott Wright" (smooth Jazz King from San Diego) has only done a couple of reviews but his one-liner about Ultrablue nails it and made up my mind in a heart-beat, more than I can say about the tin-eared chap who "also" used a single sentence to "diss" a TRULY superb CD and group. You sir are a MORON, it is Ultragood! And everyone's comments about Gabriela Anders are also gospel. If you like Anders (God knows who could not) buy her CD "Wanting" and check out #10 - "Love Is So Unkind"... PLUS, do NOT miss going to Amazon and ordering the single finest jazz concert performance EVER (I've seen a lot) ... "Casino Lights 99" with Bob James, George Duke, Rick Braun, Boney James, and a SLEW of other talented souls INCLUDING Gabriella singing two songs. One of them, with George Duke (Brazilian Love Affair") is the best example of free-style jazz I've seen anywhere by anybody (I look at it at least a couple times weekly when I need a lift); the other ain't bad either! When you're that gorgeous you could sing like a frog, but she's a fantastic vocalist also ........... AND, "Notorious" with Boney James and Rick Braun (same DVD) will make you want to "slap your Granny". I wore out a player watching this DVD. ; )