by George W. Harris
Saxist/composer Jackiem Joyner takes the accessibility of smooth jazz and adds a bit of kick in the pants on this latest collection of tunes. He brings together some impressive compatriots including Keiko Matsui/p, Gerald Albright/ts and multi instrumentalist Matt hamel, while he himself does the strings, programming, piano and reeds. Lots of catchy tunes such as “Generation Next” and “Born to Fly” sound like themes for TV or movies, with lots of synthesized and electronic rhythms popping around. An exciting horn section is featured on the title track and some rubbernecking bass is slapped on “Europa.” Sax wise, Joyner shows muscle on alto during “Born to Fly” and the R&B ish “Later Tonight.” A gorgeous meeting with piano on “A Gentle Walk On Water” which closes the album makes you wish for an entire outing as such.
Jackiem and Keiko really cooked at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley in Seattle on Saturday night!! WOW! What a beautiful evening!