Powell, Doc
Heads Up, 2004, CD
Instrument: GUITAR
Issue: 10.3
Jazz Ruler Type: R&B+Jazz
Performance: 3
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: Doc is an established jazz guitarist who takes Cool Like That closer to a broad smooth jazz audience. The session escapes the dreaded monotony of some too-smooth productions by including excellent guest artists who broaden the variety of approach. Kirk Whalum shows up on the opener (“Push”) complementing Powell’s liquid melodies. And Gary Taylor’s vocals grace “You Mean More To Me”. One of the best tracks is “Listen Up” with Michael Lington (sax) and Mark Ledford (t) accenting the leads. There are also two cool covers of “Let It Be”. We must also mention the positive contributions of percussionist Munyungo Jackson that add a lot of flavor to the session.
