With ten brand new contemporary jazz numbers (four of them co-written by Steve Oliver) ‘Persuasion’ is an unadulterated delight and a ready-made Christmas gift for smooth jazz lovers everywhere. The album is quickly up and running with the funky groove of the title cut that, as well as being the lead single, also features sax from Boney James. Also delivering all the rhythm and melody you will ever need is ‘Take It Up’ while elsewhere the horn driven intro of ‘Surreal Theme’ paves the way to contemplative piano from Simpson that is in magical contrast to the foot tapping chorus line.