More Than You Know

Amazon.com
Say what you want about smooth-jazz recordings, but sometimes they succeed at creating a genial, feel-good atmosphere in a manner that is genuine, unforced, and refreshing. Pianist/keyboardist Scott Wilkie's second recording breaks no new ground, but its consistent attractiveness elevates it above countless lite-jazz albums sabotaged by strained soloing or pedestrian melodies. Wilkie, a native of Detroit, puts less emphasis on guest artists here than he did on his debut record, Boundless, and focuses instead on his piano playing. The appealing results are friendly, sometimes funky, and, at times, flat-out lovely (such as on the gracefully subdued "Pier 39" and "Summer Vacation"). Only two of Wilkie's compositions here include saxophone accompaniment (a smart move), and Eric Marienthal's soprano-sax lines that subtly carry "Whale Song" are shrewdly understated. Can Wilkie play? He sends notes flying in "Fruit Sandwich" and "In Comes the Ausgang," and the melody to "Back from the Beach" (despite the electric keys) validates his above-average composing skills. It's good to find easy-listening music that merits repeated listening. --Terry Wood

More Than You Know,Scott Wilkie,Narada,Contemporary Jazz,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop,Smooth Jazz

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