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Windham Hill has reissued
the Braxton Brothers independently released
"Steppin Out" which has added tracks and may be the
best new addition to the label's ranks in a while. Twin brothers
who play a multitude of Instruments, Wayne (tenor and alto sax,
flute and keyboards) and Nelson (six string bass, fretless and
also keyboards) also have a multitude of talent that makes this
an album that should establish them as contempoary smooth jazz
artists like Keiko Matsui, Kenny G and The Rippingtons.
Having a father who was a
mobile DJ, the Braxtons were exposed to a
variety of music at an early age and access to recording equipment
proved too strong a temptation for them to resist when, at age
seven, they "got a hold of a couple of pots and pans, mom's
old tape recorder and well ... the rest is history." With
the talent these musicians exhibit I think they could still those
pots and pans and give us beautiful music.
From the opening notes of
"Sunset Bay," which is a hit on the smooth
jazz stations, you are taken on cruise across a musical sea.
The dulcet tones of the saxophone mingle with the lush guitar
work to create a feeling of ease and indolence , leaning on the
ship's rail while watching the last rays of the sun vanish below
the horizon. Then it's a quick change of clothes as you are "Steppin
Out" and maybe dancing with your lover in the moonlight
on deck while the Brothers play in the background. The saxophone
and bass taking turns whispering sweet nothings.
"Eventide' and you feel
the moon's pull in the notes, just go with the
flow. The saxophone, a bit more insistent, makes it hard to resist.
Dreaming, your thoughts turn to "Someday" "When
Love Comes Around," the latter with a little Latin
rhythm to get the heart pumping.
Guest vocalist Keith Johnson
joins them on a "Givin' My Love To You."
Soulful and sweet, it is a 'dinner by candelight' song par excellence.
"I'm In Love" keeps the mood alive as the sax and Keith
trade verses.
With a little more percussion,
"Didn't I Tell Ya" punctuates the 'I told
you so' feel. A cover of Babyface's "I'll Make Love To You"
is like a lover's conversation between the saxophone and bass
making you forget this was a hit for BoyzIIMen as they put their
personal stamp on it.
The final two cuts are new
additions to the original album. "In The Spring" is
reminscent of Kenny G while "Happy Again" returns to
the soulful sound that infuses most of this album and which makes
it equally appealing to to fans of both soul and jazz.
"Steppin' Out" is
perfect for that quiet evening in, where the only steppin' is
over to the cd player to hit the repeat button. |
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