Fabulously funky. Hypnotically rhythmic. Soulfully Sophisticated. Those six powerful words alone could be the entire overview of this album. But that would be an injustice to the newest project from the genius guitarist, composer and producer U-Nam. Soaring from the success of his previous Billboard Top 25 Smooth Jazz album Future Love, U-Nam picks up where he left off and continues the unfinished work of this album s predecessor. The Love Vault, due to be released October 11 on this own Skytown Records label, was born out of U-Nam s vast collection of previously unpolished, unrecorded or archived songs in the musician s extensive arsenal of music. Amid his infectious guitar licks lies a hip and rich sound that is heavy on throwback funk influences. Sexy Fresh, the albums premiere release, emits a romance drenched vibe that is funky and alluring. Love Potion is an intoxicating concoction of guitar, unrelenting rhythm, and one of U-Nam s signature arrangement sounds, synthesized string accompaniment, yet another trademark of the retro dance groove. Applying the innovative technology of talk box and vocoder, U-Nam implements vocals on a couple of tracks, including Back Seat Lover ( previously recorded by Mayer Hawthorne). Uptempo, happy and addictively appealing, this particular track rates among my favourite on The Love Vault, and the backing vocals of Gennine Francis-Jackson infuse some soulful dynamics and depth. In what is an glaring tribute to the sound of soul music s legendary love walrus, Barry White, Hear, My Dear draws from the title of Marvin Gaye s late 70s hit Here My Dear. The amazingly talented saxophonist Magdalena Chovaancova fo the Euro jazz trio Threestyle lends her talent on this swagger filled groove accompanied by lush string arrangement and additional horn backing. Into The Night delivers an afterhours, fast moving cool drive down the strip on a summer night. Among the many admirable techniques of U-Nam s music is the meticulous arrangement and production expertise, and if my memory is correct, he ranks as the only artist I know that consistently employs strings and horn backing that delivers a multi layered and dimensional sound to his natural artistic brilliance.

While we seldom, if ever, offer reviews of best of collections, guitarist U-Nam s latest release The Essential Collection bears repeating a quick analysis of some of the grooves offered here and does also offer two completely new and hot tracks. Drawn from numerous previous projects, the majority of tracks here should be familiar to U-Nam fans and should certainly capture new fans, as well. Included are tracks from his albums Back From the 80s, Surface Level, C est Le Funk, Unanimity, and Weekend in L.A. (A Tribute to George Benson). If you missed picking up any of these gems, tracks like the romping lead track, a cover of The Crusaders classic Street Life, the supercharged, party-hearty Going for Miles, Something s Up, Throwback Kid (definitely one of my faves), Groove Paradise (another of my faves), the hot and steamy groove Shine On, and the powerful Back In Style (yep, another fave of mine but then, so many are!) should convince you to grab this album to catch up (at least, to some decent extent). Then, there are the newbies: A bouncy and lively cover of Barry The Maestro White s Let the Music Play and the guitarist s own slick, movin jam Soul Breeze. Man, can this cat throw a party. In my review of his Surface Level release, I referred to him as a jazz superhero. Hearing these jams again and adding in the two new tracks, I have to say that he s wearing that label well. A busy man these days having started his own label and signing some real quality talent, you may have assumed that, at some point, he d have to release a best of collection in the interest of time and to remind us of the top-tier material he s released under his own name. Well, here it is, all dressed and ready to party with you.

Feb. 9, 2019 One of the busiest producers and among the most prolific c-jazz artists around, guitarist U-Nam is again presenting a colorful collection of original pearls worthy of inclusion in any jazz lover s library. Future Love is abundant with a solidly generous feel-good jazz vibe that surely stays with you. Here with many of the artists signed to his Skytown record label (saxman Andrew Chmut, keyboardists Valeriy Stepanov and Mattias Roos, and others) and bassist Alex Al, drummer Michael White, and a host of other contributors, the guitarist comes loaded for bear to deliver that unmistakable U-Nam groove. U-Nam s Bensonesque style and dazzling skill, speed, and fluidity on guitar has always been much more than noteworthy. Here is no different as he soars through such catchy tracks as Changes, the title track, Good Old Days, Artbeat, Before You Leave, Luther Vandross Get It Right (one of my faves here), and many more finger-snappin , head-boppin goodies. He comes up for air on the one chilled-out track, the cool & slow R&Bish My Joy. The slick funkiness and cadence of the album is typical U-Nam flavor & texture. The cat definitely knows his way around a fretboard (and keyboard) and a melody. It s no wonder heavyweight guitarist George Benson likes this guy! He always brings the soul of the music with him wherever he goes. To state the obvious, good is good, but exceptional is another thing altogether. I fully expect select tracks here to find their way to the top of the charts. If you re looking for a shot of c-jazz adrenaline, Future Love has your name on a copy.

Die Puppini Sisters sind ein im Jahr 2004 gegründetes Gesangstrio. Die Gruppe wurde von Marcella Puppini gegründet, die sich von dem französisch-belgisch-kanadischen Animationsfilm Das große Rennen von Belleville dazu inspirieren ließ.

We Want Groove is the debut studio album by American jazz and funk group Rock Candy Funk Party. It was released on January 25, 2013 through J&R Adventures.

The Groove Cubed is the third studio album by American jazz and funk group Rock Candy Funk Party. It was released on October 20, 2017, through J&R Adventures. The album features Ty Taylor from Vintage Trouble and Mahalia Barnes as guest vocalists.

Rock Candy Funk Party Takes New York: Live at the Iridium is the live album by American jazz and funk group Rock Candy Funk Party. It was released on February 25, 2014 through J&R Adventures.

Groove is King is the second studio album by American jazz and funk group Rock Candy Funk Party. It was released on July 31, 2015 through J&R Adventures. The album features Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top as "Mr Funkadamus".

I have all three of Paul Hardcastle's Chill Lounge CD's and in my opinion, this is his best yet! I hope he does more Chill Lounge albums. Besides these three albums, I have several others and love all of them! I only discovered his music several years ago, and loved it from the first listen! On this CD, I love the remix of "Desire", and this is better than the original version that I have on the album of the same name. I've been reading up on Paul Hardcastle on the internet and never realized he has done so much music! He is one of the best smooth jazz artists out there! I hope he releases more music for years to come! Besides enjoying his music, it has gotten me through some hard times in the past year. I put on one of his albums and I forget what was troubling me!

On the heels of his highly successful Volume I CD, proli c producer of all thatis mood altering and vibey comes the next chapter of this songbook that you
will nd hard to put down. Nobody does it quite like Hardcastle, a man who
has an incredible knack for craftsmanship of sides that tickle the sweet spot and 'II' continues in that same tradition. This is escapism at its very best as PH weaves a tapestry of moods and ambiance that will chip o the rough edges
of life and dial you directly into the zone. You can almost feel your toes in the
water and the wind blowing in your hair as you slowly sip these chilled
vibrations. Sonic massage for the ears and mind from a man who has single
handedly created niche that no other has penetrated. Hungry fans will surely
get in line to see where this next chapter of the story will take them. Pull up your favorite virtual lounger and prepare to be chilled, the Hardcastle way….more ice please!!!

Having long been the purveyor of laidback atmospheric sensuous sides, once again Paul Hardcastle beckons you to follow him to places where swaying palms, crystalline water and picturesque sunsets await with "The Chill Lounge," a collection of adventurous head and body trips slightly chilled and ready for transport. This is where Hardcastle is at his very best, creating sonic soundscapes that allow you to be taken to a place where you want to go to devoid of your worldy cares, where mood and relaxation are the key components. Nobody does it better. "Lounge" digs deep into the vast Hardcastle archive and combines classic mood altering favorites from the past dotted with a few re-mixes and a pair of fresh new sides like "East to West" one of the albums high points and "Ibiza Dub", with its strong reggae undertones, making for a multi-ethnic full spectrum multisensory experience par excellence. Melt into your favorite lounger, pour your favorite beverage, add a few cubes of ice and prepare to be chilled, the Hardcastle way. Not shaken, but stirred.

Paul Hardcastle, continues to create magical sonic masterpieces that have the power to put one into the 'zone'. I can listen to his music forever and never tire of it...call me a Hardcastle Head. I collect his CD's and have them all. My favorite jazz singers are Helen Reynolds and Sade, but Paul's daughter, Maxine is a very pleasant surprise. I have added her to my personal favorites list. I hope that he allows her to sing more songs in his future productions. Maxine could become the next big thing among female jazz singers.

Cutting his musical teeth beginning in the 70's when disco, bell bottoms and Soul Train were king, super producer of sexy and syncopated sides Paul Hardcastle comes out of the woodshed with back to back new projects, the latest in the Jazzmasters series VII and this a dance down memory lane with a 21st century twist.
Moovin And Groovin is a collection of disco infused pieces that recall an era where music was all about getting your 'move on' with Barry White, Donna Summer and
Saturday Night Fever casting their respective spells on the masses. You'll feel instantly transported back in time with this highly infectious romp that brings to bear all of the feeling moods and vibes that made the 70's and 80's what they were, yet all spun with musical yarns of today.

Well into his third decade crafting signature songs of our time churning out chart topping mega-hits with ease, Paul Hardcastle adds another branch to his musical tree, one that is again bearing delicious fruit.
VII, while it carries all of the hallmarks that have come to define his unique style and sound, takes a decidedly different approach, with the focus on serving up compelling sonic
instrumental soundscapes and less about vocals. This is Hardcastle's wheelhouse and nobody does it better. For those who use music as an escape from the day to day, these sides are the perfect transporting device, rich soulful atmospherics that lift you through space and time and carry you away to destinations of your choosing.

This is vintage Paul Hardcastle. Soothing melodies and others you can roll the windows down and enjoy on the highway. Have been listening almost non-stop since receiving it. You won’t regret getting this one!