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Brian Simpson: Just What You Need
ByWhether or not the world needs another version of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "The Girl From Ipanema" it gets one with Simpson joined by his main man, Koz who plays some very pretty tenor sax. Simpson likes playing with horns as half of Just What You Need features tenor saxophonists (Koz, Gerald Albright and Elan Trotman ) and with Ron King accompanying on trumpet, they add to the overall cool mood of the album. Guitarists Jonathan Butler and Marc Antoine drop by to infuse a bit of six-string juice to the proceedings.
As a pianist, Simpson is competent and professional, if not particularly dazzling and "competent and professional" are the watchwords here. Jeff Robinson adds some warm and heartful vocalizing on "What You Need" and Simpson picks up on the upbeat mood with a spirited solo and steps up his game beyond simply being an efficient craftsman.
By the standards of smooth jazz Simpson and company deliver the goods with cool professionalism, and while Just What You Need is enjoyable it never veers into being essential. It's like the cool refreshment of an ice-cream cone on a hot summer's day; satisfying without being substantial.
Track Listing
Wherever You Go; Just What You Need; Emerald City; Soul Embrace; A Love Like This; The Girl From Ipanema; D'Groove; In the Rain; Castaway; You Gotta Be
Personnel
Brian Simpson
keyboardsBrian Simpson: piano, keyboards; Jonathan Butler: lead guitar (1); Nicholas Cole: keyboards, programming (1, 3); Darrell Crooks: guitar (1, 3), Alex Al: bass (1-3, 5-9); Brian Kilgore: percussion (1-9); Elan Trotman: tenor sax (2, 5); Ron King: trumpet (2, 3, 7); Michael Broening: keyboards, programming (2); Yarone Levy: guitar, acoustic guitar (4, 6); Nate Harasim: keyboards, programming (4); Dave Koz: tenor sax (6); Michael White: drums (6); Gerald Albright: tenor sax (7); Gerey Johnson: guitar (7); Mark Antoine: acoustic guitar (8); Oliver Wendell: keyboards (9); Jeff Robinson: vocals (10); Ray Fuller: guitar (10); Larry Kimpel: bass (10); Ronnie Guitierrez: percussion (10)
Album information
Title: Just What You Need | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Shanachie Records
Comments
About Brian Simpson
Instrument: Keyboards
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