Bradley Leighton

Allan Phillips pens the first three tunes:  "It's On,” “Café Con Leche” and "Wake Up Call.”  The first is an up-tempo, funky groove featuring Tom Braxton trading energetic licks throughout with Leighton's alto flute.  "Cafe" is the single Latin offering on the CD.  This smooth back-beat cha-cha features Evan Marks’ guitar working in unison with Leighton's flute - punctuated by the horn section - with the two riding high over the horns in the out chorus. "Wake Up Call" brings the horns to the forefront in a hard-driving funk tune reminiscent of those great horn bands of the 70's.  "She's Gone" is a classic Hall & Oats tune made popular by the 70's disco group "The Tavares" - performed as a soulful duet by Leighton and Tom Scott - this artful Allan Phillips arrangement builds throughout up to its driving, horn-laden finale.   For a change of pace, "That Man” is a popish vocal offering featuring newcomer Paula Prophet's wonderful writing and superb vocal stylings.  "Ode to Billy Jo" is an instrumental treatment of the Bobbi Gentry classic; one of the two tracks produced and arranged by Jason Miles, it features Leighton and his alto flute over a slinky, funky vibe.  The next two Phillips originals offer a contrast in styles.  "Rock Me Softly" features the muted trumpet of Greg Adams with Leighton's hum-over-playing on the alto flute - giving the tune an edgy, urban vibe - while "Undercover" is a mellow, jazzy selection with Adams, Marks and Leighton trading riffs throughout.  Closing out the CD is another Jason Miles treatment - this time it's the classic Crusaders’ hit "Keep That Same Old Feeling.”  In a mellow, chillin' groove, Leighton trades melodic phrases with vocalist Katreese Barnes; providing a fitting climax to this superbly crafted CD.