SmoothJazz.com Review
by SandyShore
HOW ‘BOUT US is a saucy, jazzy project from Champaign, Illinois featuring sophisticated, classic Smooth Jazz. Well known as home for many great musicians, Champaign has launched exceptional artists including Michael McDonald, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Alison Krauss and the R&B/pop band Champaign. Speaking of which, Champaign band member and composer of the group's chart topping hit, "How 'Bout Us," Dana Walden is on deck here as Wk. End’s producer and he kindly loans out his band's signature song for this project. It makes for a gorgeous Smooth Jazz piece that I imagine should be well received by radio for the familiarity factor. Walden has worked with an impressive list of recording artists over the years... well known folks like Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt and Earth, Wind & Fire to name a few. Wk. End serves up a classy, soothing jazz album with HOW 'BOUT US featuring flugelhorn/trumpet player Jeff Helgesen and saxophonist Chip McNeill. The two create a provocative, mellow horn harmony that brings to mind early Chuck Mangione. The ensemble is well rounded with expressive guitar players David Neal and Ryan McBride, David Parkinson is on drums, while Joshua Walden plays bass and Dave Dickey slides trombone. Eight stylish tracks on HOW ‘BOUT US… the stand outs for me include “Bordertown,” the sultry “Sex in The City” and the upbeat “Catalina Crossing.” While this one will definitely help ensure a relaxing weekend, it’s good to go Monday through Friday as well!
