Neal Davis: Press

NEAL DAVIS Rendezvous Creative Energy

RENDEZVOUS is filled with exciting, high quality Smooth Jazz from composer/producer/multi-instrumentalist Neal Davis. He’s released some five CDs on his own Creative Energy label and has been featured on several Visual Musik and California Sunset recordings. When RENDEZVOUS crossed our desk we jumped for joy. The originals are outstanding and the covers… well, inspired. Produced by Arno Lucas (Luther Vandross, Al Jarreau, George Duke, Bonnie Raitt) the album features a killer guest list including Warren Hill, Steve Reid (Rippingtons) and Jeff Baxter (Steely Dan). The project begins with a compelling original song called “Next To You,” featuring Smooth Jazz guitarist Thom Rotella and vocalist Jean McClain. Neal’s sonically perfect take on “People Make The World Go Round” features the sax work of Warren Hill… what a great recipe on this favorite. “Wings of Wind” is simply stunning… a sweet, hopeful piece that showcases Davis’ keyboard prowess. The funkadelic “Good N Funky” gets your wiggle waggin’… while “Kiki’s Crab House” is a total slam dunk Smooth Jazz groove from start to finish. We’re also taken by the classy arrangement of the Eric Clapton and Babyface hit “Change The World.” This collection concludes with a deep, reflective piece called “Neal’s Tune,” a perfect ending to a perfect outing. Neal Davis’ RENDEZVOUS is a delightful discovery and proof positive that independent music is thriving. ~SANDY SHORE