Preceded by Come As You Are and It Just Happens That Way, Life Less Ordinary is the third solo release for Mindi Abair since signing with GRP Records. I believe this is by far the most versatile of her works and may just be her best CD to date. Mindi Abair plays with a maturity and style that are uniquely her own. I really appreciate the way the songs are tightly woven with those who accompany her on them, yet without being completely swallowed up. She certainly deserves kudos for being an artist who is not at all afraid of trying new ideas. She could at this point slip into that familiar pattern of creating tracks that are simply designed to get radio play time but certainly does not choose that route. With help from an outstanding cast of veteran musicians, like Lalah Hathaway, Ricky Peterson, Keb Mo and long time collaborator Matthew Hager, Mindi blows new life into what at times can become a stagnant array of smooth jazz offerings. Smooth Jazz fans who are constantly on the look out for something fresh may find renewed hope in this CD. Life Less Ordinary is a CD release filled with upbeat rhythms, seductive moods and a variety of songs that seem to push the envelope of Mindi's creative flow. Tracks such as Do You Miss Me?, The Joint and Slinky are great examples of just how funky Mindi can get. Clearly apparent on songs like track 2, Long Ride Home is the influence of David Sanborn, Tom Scott, and Michael Brecker on her playing. Although Life Less Ordinary does offer a full array of energetic funk, it also includes a somber side as well. Track 5, Rain is dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and the City of New Orleans which I thought was a real nice touch on her part. The song captures both their depression during the hurricane's aftermath and their courage to recover and go on. With this release she shows very clearly that she is a well rounded alto saxophone player and musician. She shows a multi faceted side displaying skills as a musician, vocalist and writer. As one of very few female saxophonists in smooth jazz, Mindi Abair is definitely making her own powerful statement and making her presence known in the world of smooth jazz. She is certainly at this point one of the freshest sounds active in the smooth jazz format. With great songs, great sax playing and nice vocals this is a 'fun disc' and perfect companion for a Sunday afternoon drive. I've heard some grumbling about some people taking issue with her vocals. I however find them to be warm, almost to the point of sultry and a great addition to her skill set. I'd say this CD is a must buy. The standout tunes are Do You Miss Me? [track 1], True Blue [track 6], and Far Away [track 10]. My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 7, Slinky. Nice and Funky! Release Notes: This CD was originally released April 18, 2006 on the GRP Records label. CD track list follows: 1. Do You Miss Me?
2. Long Ride Home
3. It Must Be Love
4. The Joint
5. Rain
6. True Blue
7. Slinky
8. Ordinary Love
9. Bloom
10. Far Away To hear samples of each song on this CD go to Mindi Abair CD - Life Less Ordinary [www.smoothlee.com/music-samples/mindi-abair-life-Less-ordinary.htm] |
