One of the cool things about voice tracking an internet smooth jazz station is the fact I get exposed to music I wouldn't normally hear. Some of it is pretty pedestrian, but Stevie Williams is one of the baddest bass players I have ever heard. In the spirit of Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorius and Abraham Laboriel, this cat is just plain B-A-D.
This is one of the best CDs I have heard in the last five years. "Open Up Your Heart" kicks off the CD and is the first thing that caught my ear, extremely funky with a keyboard that sounds like a freight train, Steve Winwood would be proud of this. An incredibly catchy tune that sets the stage. "Today I Stop" sounds like Rufus with Chaka Khan, soulful and sweet. "Lo-Fi" starts with the sounds of a scratchy record and you swear the turntable os on the wrong speed. Where did this creativity come from? Incredible bass playing and a rhythm section that sounds like thunder. "Living Under The Sun" has turned into my favorite track on this recording and my favorite song this summer. Uplifting, funky, sweet with a piano solo and trumpet played with heart and passion. Where did this guy come from? "Just A Little More" sounds like a 1970s soul song that could have been done by Marvin Gaye. If your toes don't tap to this, you need help. Could have been a big hit if released 30 years ago. "Skyward Bound" sounds just like Jaco did when he was alive. This track is as about as laidback as you can get. The melody here reminds me of a hot summer day, the consistency of molasses. "Nursery Bass (The Special Children)" Nice feeling here, a bit of a throwaway if there is one on this release, but a sweet song with a real interesting fingering concept here. Nice solo in the middle from what sounds like a piccolo. "Gospel Summer" Baptist church on a hot Sunday morning. A great song, my second favorite on the CD. Jublilant and a joyful noise and when that Hammond B3 kicks in, you give up your soul to the groove...Hallelujah! "Walk Tall" brings you back down to Earth with a cool funky vibe that sounds like Jimmy Jamerson to me, just the way he plays is a nod to the old Motown Funk Brothers. "4am" a great ending to a wonderful ride. Cool talk box feature that would make Bob Heil proud. I plan on sending Stevie an email through his website just to say thanks for being one of the few things anymore that fills this 50 year old music fan's heart with awe. Find this release and buy it.
