Marcus H. Mitchell
Rest & Relaxation
24th Music
www.marcushmitchell.com

Marcus H. Mitchell is part of a new generation of jazz saxophonists who play smooth jazz with components of contemporary R&B, soul, and funk which congregates into a mixture that can be defined as adult pop. His debut album Rest & Relaxation with executive producer Shannon Parker, is neatly latticed with cool jazz tempos and glossy saxophone passages. The album exemplifies songs which put couples in the mood for romance. Mitchell shows one style, the romantic side of jazz music. Tracks like "Saturday Night," "Sumer Breeze," and the title track "R&R" are softly pulsed and romantically ventilated, summarizing musical themes that convey love along the stippled phrases.

Numbers like "Groove Lounge" and "Making Moves" have an upbeat tempo and mild saxophone keys which are delightfully gallant and debonair with an Usher style. Mitchell's R&B sensibilities are pronounced on the plush love ballad "When We First Met" which features the sultry vocals of soul singer Blackbuddafly, and the gentle dance rhythms of "Outstanding" which features the penetrating vocals of Tara Aldridge. "Summer Breeze" enshrouds the caressing vocal sways of Yvette Thomas with the massaging currents of the cool jazz melody. The coloring on "SharpShooter" is bold with some loosely hinged funky beading on the synth and drum programs, while the final track "Just Groovin'" is a blend of contemporary and traditional jazz-funk grooves. Its relaxing mood is shaded by intervals of jumping movements along the melodic stretches.

Some guest musicians who perform on the album include pianist Jeff Lorber, multi-instrumentalist Darren Rahn, flutist Melvin Eley, bassist Ronald Finney, trumpeter Dontae Hamlet, and guitarist Beau Tailey. Mitchell produced tracks alongside David Dyson and M. Anthony Hemmings and made an album that he should be proud to bring to the public. It is an excellent effort for a debut album and Mitchell whets the listener's appetite for more to come.

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