BRADLEY LEIGHTON: Soul Collective

Bradley Leighton

Soul Collective

© 2008 Pacific Coast Jazz (829166000187)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

Light jazz fusion with strong influences of Tower of Power and Earth, Wind & Fire.

notes

Allan Phillips pens the first three tunes: "It's On,” “Café Con Leche” and "Wake Up Call.” The first is an up-tempo, funky groove featuring Tom Braxton trading energetic licks throughout with Leighton's alto flute. "Cafe" is the single Latin offering on the CD. This smooth back-beat cha-cha features Evan Marks’ guitar working in unison with Leighton's flute - punctuated by the horn section - with the two riding high over the horns in the out chorus. "Wake Up Call" brings the horns to the forefront in a hard-driving funk tune reminiscent of those great horn bands of the 70's. "She's Gone" is a classic Hall & Oats tune made popular by the 70's disco group "The Tavares" - performed as a soulful duet by Leighton and Tom Scott - this artful Allan Phillips arrangement builds throughout up to its driving, horn-laden finale.

For a change of pace, "That Man” is a popish vocal offering featuring newcomer Paula Prophet's wonderful writing and superb vocal stylings. "Ode to Billy Jo" is an instrumental treatment of the Bobbi Gentry classic; one of the two tracks produced and arranged by Jason Miles, it features Leighton and his alto flute over a slinky, funky vibe. The next two Phillips originals offer a contrast in styles. "Rock Me Softly" features the muted trumpet of Greg Adams with Leighton's hum-over-playing on the alto flute - giving the tune an edgy, urban vibe - while "Undercover" is a mellow, jazzy selection with Adams, Marks and Leighton trading riffs throughout. Closing out the CD is another Jason Miles treatment - this time it's the classic Crusaders’ hit "Keep That Same Old Feeling.” In a mellow, chillin' groove, Leighton trades melodic phrases with vocalist Katreese Barnes; providing a fitting climax to this superbly crafted CD.

reviews

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  • Congratulations on GrIndie Award
    author: RadioIndy.com

    RadioIndy is proud to present Bradley Leighton a GrIndie Award for their CD "Soul Collective." A GrIndie Award is RadioIndy's stamp of approval that this CD is an excellent quality CD. Please join us in congratulating this artist on this accomplishment.

  • Outstanding Smooth Jazz CD
    author: William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team

    "Soul Collective" by Bradley Leighton is a smooth jazz fusion album with groove and an upbeat flair. The arrangements are solid and very active. There is quite a lot going on in every song and yet it all comes together. The musiciansship throughout is outstanding. The sax and flute work in particular on this album really stand out, playing quite well off each other. The production on the CD gives an excellent classic smooth jazz sound. Highlights are "Cafe' Con Leche" with Latin elements in the percussion and a vibe that makes you feel like you are walking on clouds. "Ode to Billy Joe" has a funky bassline, mellow flute and nice accentual elements. "Undercover" is one of the strongest arrangements and features some fantastic guitar work. If you enjoy smooth jazz and listening to outstanding jazz musicians, you'll love this CD.

  • SmoothJazz.com Review
    author: Scott O'Brien

    I remember recommending flutist Bradley Leighton’s JUST DOIN’ OUR THANG as a superb example of “Smooth Jazz meets cool jazz” a few years ago. Then it was BACK TO THE FUNK where “Smooth Jazz meets old school funk,” that I was raving about. Now he’s done it again with his newest release, his 4th, SOUL COLLECTIVE, where as Bradley puts it, “we feature the flute in a variety of ensemble settings… each… producing its own unique sound.” What a great collection of tunes! He continues, “It's fresh and funky – with just enough old school greaze added to ‘keep that same old feeling’ alive and well.” He’s got label-mate Tom Braxton playing sax on a pair of killer tracks, “It’s On” and “Café con Leche.” Sax man Tom Scott comes aboard for a great re-do of the Hall & Oates classic “She’s Gone,” plus he’s on two other cool tunes. Mr. Leighton invited guitarist Evan Marks (Fattburger) to perform on this album as well, and two of the tracks (“Ode to Billy Joe” and “Keep That Same Old Feeling”), previously released to radio but up ‘til now not available on an album, feature Jason Miles as arranger/producer/keyboardist. As I’ve mentioned before, I love Bradley’s playing and percussionist/keyboardist Allan Phillips’ collaborations with him. SOUL COLLECTIVE is another home run for everyone involved. It’s world-class in every sense of the word. Smooth Jazz wins big on this one!

  • Soul Collective
    author: L. Thompson

    OOOOOOOOOOOOOweeeeeeee! I enjoyed every cut. Who is this Brdley Leighton? I am breathless after listening to Soul Collective. I clapped my hands and popped my fingers. The arrangements were superb.This CD gets a Barry White "Sho you Right"

  • Soul Collective
    author: Joyce

    I've watched all of Leighton's work over the past 5 years and this is by far a wonderful album. I wish him the best in the new endeavor - to have Tom Scott and Greg Adams on the album - it should go to #1! I don't understand why they don't play his stuff on the radio. What's up with that?

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