Paul Jackson Jr | Out Of The Shadows
Paul Jackson Jr. | Out Of The Shadows
On guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr's. 2nd Atlantic Records release, 1990's "Out Of The Shadows", followed by his 1988 Atlantic debut, the great "I Came To Play", he explored different textures and sounds of Contemporary Jazz. From energetic party tracks to smooth and easy listening songs, this project from one of the most in-demand session musician's, I say in recorded music history, is one to be listened to over & over & over again.
Opening track, the Keith Sweat classic, 1987's "Make It Last Forever", co-produced by a talented musician in his own right, Cornelius Mims, whom is also featured throughout this record, either as a co-producer and/or supporting musician, & Paul himself, kept the arrangement pretty much the sameas Keith's, but done in a Smooth Jazz context. You'll hear pleasant& trademark vocal fills by the late great, Mr. Luther Vandross (R.I.P.). Paul's performance is superb through & through. You'll hear Earl Klughism's, mixed with Lee Ritenourish under & overtones in his playing.
"All For You", a Paul J.J. original, is a slowed down, toned down bass synthed, Fender Rhodes chordal performed, Cornelius Mims synthesizer textured, tune. The late & taken away too soon, soprano saxophonist, George Howard, blessed this track with his sweet and mellow, and often imitated, but NEVER duplicated, trademark sound.Paul lightning fast guitar licks and doubled track parts, and subtled drum programmed, Simmons Electronic Tom Tom hits (Remember those kits from the '80's ?), is a Sunday rainy afternoon, kicking back, dog at your feet sleeping on the floor, kind of song. ..... and don't think for a minute Fido isn't listening, he's loving it ! ..... but in his own dog way
"Days Gone By", another P.J.J. original selection, co-produced with Cornelius Mims, is a BRILLIANT &GORGEOUS melodic piece of work. Paul's intensely strummed chords,and concise string picking, along with the soft & sensual whispery background vocals of Blanche Jackson, longtime Howard Hewett producer/songwriter, Monty Seward, & veteran first called session vocalist, Ms. Portia Griffin, singing sentimental lyrics of two lovers longing to bring back the sweeter times of their relationship, will, once again, as I previously wrote in past reviews, hit home for many here. British session heavyweight,Robbie Buchanan, adds his nice touch on the Electric Piano. GREAT SONG !
"Encino Shuffle", is a Hip Hop drum programmed, sound effect & James Brown vocal sampled ladened track. Paul's Gibson brand manufactured funky guitar licks, hard orchestra hitted sampled bits, gated bass synths, (FYI, a gate is an electronic device or software logic that's used to control the volume of an audio signal), is that of a party themed, feel good song.
My favorite track on this album is the Cornelius Mims penned, "The New Jazz Swing". Co-produced by P.J.J. and Cornelius Mims. This New Jack Swing styled track, is inspired by the 1931 composition by Duke Ellington with lyrics by Irving Mills. One vocal sampled sound bit, "It's The New _ Swing" is culled from New Jack Swing's creator, Teddy Riley's vocal sound bit off his performance in Wrecks N' Effect's 1992's hit single, "New Jack Swing" .....you'll know it when you hear it. There's a good dose of the Roland 808Bass patch in there. Straight ahead sounding guitar lines, played simultaneously with his rock leaning executed chops at times, will certainly take you back to time of Cross Colors clothes sporting, Karl Kani sneaker wearing, Timberland Boot wearing, thick fake gold chain,and hollowed "door knocker" earrings worned by teenaged girls, time period. {Think Mary J. Blige's "What's The 4-1-1" fashion era }.
"Out Of The Shadows" - most of the remaining songs, not all though, are along the same lines as the aforementioned reviewed songs. Nevertheless, it's a fantastic album from one of music's truest artists. His following albums aren't as trendy minded as this one. I would assume, once again, to stay current with musical patterns of a particular time period, he created an album that fell right in line within a mode what was happening at the time.... and that's not to say it didn't work. It was just a matter of connecting with a younger skewed demographic that didn't identify themselves with listening to a "musician", as opposed to a "sampler & two turntables" leaning Hip Hop duo. ..... Just my opinion folks.
Happy Listening !
Randy Holmes
The Urban Music Scene
Posted by Administration at 4/14/2010 6:18 PM 
Categories: Urban Jazz, Jazz, Videos
Tags: Music Videos 90's Music Guitar
Categories: Urban Jazz, Jazz, Videos
Tags: Music Videos 90's Music Guitar
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