Chuck Loeb - When I'm With You (2005)

After the European and techno inspired eBop, veteran electric guitarist returns with a CD that may just be his best work yet. It’s not a mainstream jazz album, but a smooth jazz one with an organic feel that simply keeps music first and gimmicks at bay. Paying homage to some of his musical heroes, first and foremost is the late saxophonist Stan Getz, who Loeb toured with for several years. What better song than Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “The Girl From Ipanema,” which Getz played on and brought Brazilian bossa nova to the world?

Next up is Ray Charles, one of the musicians who continuously has inspired Loeb. After Charles died last year, Loeb says he felt compelled to write “Brother Ray,” a swinging jazz and blues shuffle that’ll have those toes a-movin’. And “Double Life,” which leads off the CD, is a bluesy number dedicated to another Loeb mentor, the great guitarist Jim Hall.

Loeb can craft a smooth jazz hit as well as anyone out there, and has done so again with the unforgettable “Tropical.” His mellifluous and lyrical guitar has never as good, and the funky and tropical undercurrent will have you reaching for a margarita. And on the title track, Loeb provides a nice change of pace thanks to gorgeous vocals from his wife, singer Carmen Cuesta. It’s dreamy. And then there’s “And Then Some,” which gets into some real jazz playing.

01.Double Life
02.Tropical
03.Uppercut
04.The Girl From Ipanema
05.Brother Ray
06.Anytime, Anywhere
07.Jumpstart
08.When I'm With You
09.Spanish Nights
10.And Then Some
11.Home, James
12.Bonus Track.

Chuck Loeb (guitar, keyboards)
Carmen Cuesta (vocals)
David Mann (flute, saxophone)
Barry Danielian (trumpet, flugelhorn)
Will Lee, Carl Carter (bass instrument)
Ralph MacDonald (percussion).