Album: Desire /  Artist:  Blake Aaron / 15 tracks: /  October 30, 2007 /  Innervision Records and Entertainment

Guitarist Blake Aaron does not waste any time in getting down with some funky good grooves on his new CD Desire, and after listening to the opening track “Bumpin’ On The Wes Side,” you will desire to hear more from this outstanding guitar virtuoso and composer. He belongs to a select group of musicians who have revitalized jazz guitar, the others being Joyce Cooling, Michael Manson, Norman Brown and Nils.

Aaron’s CD is a potpourri stylistically without seeming disjointed or all over the map. “Baby Likes The Blues,” is a swinging guitar driven tune, introduced by the naked electric keyboard chops of Michael Whittaker, before ascending into a more animated dialogue between the musicians. Drummer Jimmy Branley provides a strong backbeat, to compliment Aaron’s fret tickling, while Mike Todd delivers a marvelous saxophone groove.

Not content to be pigeon holed, Aaron moves into “Come On Over,” best described as a hybrid between funk, smooth jazz and fusion.  The pace is torrid and the music electrifying.

The polyrhythmic “Run Away With You,” mixes Afro Cuban influences with more prominent jazz elements. The listener will hear lots of percussion and string bending.

The album has its more sensual and romantic moments with songs such as the title track “Desire,” and the R&B flavored “Forever.” As “Desire” unfolds, Aaron’s guitar makes its advances, while Tony Guerreo’s trumpet is coy. Eventually the trumpet tarries, but leaves the listener in suspense over the final outcome of this romantic interlude played out before our ears. T.J. Gibson’s full rich vocals are all that is necessary to infuse “Forever” with sensuality.

 The musicians exchange sensual notes creating a more candlelight and wine ambience on songs such as, “If You Were Mine,” and “In Her Own Sweet Way.” Aaron weaves an enchanting confession of love with beautiful chord changes in “If You Were Mine,” while keyboardist Steve Weingart plays just as elegantly. This is another multi-layered song, with depth provided by bassist Hussain Jiffry. The song is comprised of contagious guitar riffs and infectious piano chops. “In Her Own Sweet Way,” is a pretty piano ballad that expresses appreciation for the gentle attributes of someone special.

Other good songs to listen for on Blake Aaron’s Desire include, the flamenco flavored “Fragile,” the mid tempo “Shine,” and “Sweet And Sexy,” which sounds just like its title.

Desire would make a great addition to any music collection and sends a strong message that Blake Aaron is now one of the guitar masters that others should measure themselves by.

Reviewed by Joe Montague for Riveting Riffs (www.rivetingriffs.com)

Reviewed September 2007

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