CD Review: Richard Elliot, Metro Blue

Richard Elliot
Metro Blue (ARTizen)

Saxophonist Richard Elliot has more than just a fleeting interest in his 15th release. Metro Blue is the first CD of all-new material by the ARTizen Music Group, a smooth jazz label based in Southern California and co-founded by Elliot and fellow musician and trumpeter Rick Braun. Elliot shouldn’t have much to worry about here, as his robust tenor saxophone consistency lays thick grooves atop some darn tempting pop songs. Produced by Braun and Elliot, the CD once again pays tribute to what must be Elliot’s favorite R&B from the 1970s, the Stylistics. Elliot’s last CD featured a cover of group’s “You Make Me Feel Brand New.” Metro Blue’s first single is a sexy reading of the sweet soul band’s “People Make the World Go Round.”

As Elliot’s albums always are, Metro Blue is heavy on the brass, which is to be expected from a former member of the seminal band Tower of Power. Braun blows his trumpet throughout, sounding especially vivid on “Inside Out,” an upbeat number that starts the CD. This song’s sure to draw raised fists during the Jazz Attack tour this summer, which Elliot is starring in. As will the funky “Mango Tango,” which lays down a groovy echoing sax line, and “Maxi’s,” powered by a Travolta-esque disco beat.

Any Richard Elliot CD must have at least song where he coaxes some growls from his sax, and that track here is “Mystique,” which also offers some pretty sweet picking by guitarist Peter White. On “Chill Bill,” Elliot perhaps winks at the chill-music sound filtering into smooth jazz, but the song is more of a traditional ballad. As are the title track and “Camella,” which he sweetly named after his wife.

Metro Blue makes for a promising debut ARTizen debut.