Dual Identity in Bloomington, MN

The veteran trumpeter and keyboardist made his mark on
pop
music playing for years with
Stevie Wonder
and
Kool & the Gang
, but his smooth
jazz
-oriented debut reflects influences far beyond
R&B
. This might be disappointing for fans expecting loads of
funk
(who will be appeased with the chunkier grooves of
"One 4 Mo"
), but those who appreciate more subtle
and Brazilian music will appreciate it.
Gittens
and his band immediately seduce listeners with the
Jobim
influence of the frisky
samba
"Moon Over Sonoma,"
which finds his restrained fluegelhorn drifting sweetly over
Rob Bacon
's bright acoustic strumming.
"Let Me Love You"
is a more romantic excursion along these lines, adding muted trumpet and the lovely soprano sax harmony of
Michael Lington
. An obvious tribute to
the Crusaders
' pianist,
"Joe's Sample"
blends light
, playful female vocals, and
Najee
's lush guest flute lines with
' tremendous versatility on trumpet, organ, and Fender Rhodes.
also has a strictly romantic side, displayed with cool affection on the dreamy and atmospheric
"Town by the Bay."
Pop
fans will also enjoy his trippy,
ambient
percussive twist on
"Good Vibrations,"
which features an organ foundation and a drum line that grows louder by the second. The disc would be stronger without all of the fine but ultimately unremarkable vocal tracks. ~ Jonathan Widran