Ultrablue Dusk 2 Dawn CD

Dusk 2 Dawn is a sensual collection of smooth jazz, R&B, and contemporary grooves brought into the spotlight by such popular musicians as Rachel Z, Dave Stryker, and special guest vocalist Kevin Mahogany. The set opens with the title track and floats on aural waves of sensual, breezy grooves set by guitarist Stryker and David Mann's sexy alto saxophone. Mahogany's take on Stevie Wonder's major hit "Love's in Need of Love Today," is memorable at best due to Mahogany's convincing baritone voice. This is yet another example of a well-structured composition with lyrics that have withstood the test of time and relevancy. Mahogany's phrasings are well paced and the background vocalists really add a nice flavor to his lead vocals. Rachel Z provides superior accompaniment on acoustic piano on "Faithful." This pensive, meditative song is one that should inspire listeners to sit back and reflect and is one that will also appeal to those who like the sound of an electro-acoustic groove. Despite this being the first gathering of Ultrablue, the sounds they make together genuinely reflect their ability to groove with one another on any musical level. ~ Paula Edelstein

ULTRABLUE is a gathering of some of the East Coast's leading names from the world of contemporary jazz, including saxophonists David Mann and Pete Belasco, guitarist Dave Stryker, pianist Rachel Z, and special guest vocalist Kevin Mahogany. Their debut album DUSK 2 DAWN is a cool and sensual collection that beautifully blends smooth jazz, r & b, and contemporary grooves. Studio guru John Smatla seamlessly weaves stellar performances from the all-star cast with super-tight production on nine hook-laden originals and a spirited remake of Stevie Wonder's "Love's In Need Of Love Today" featuring Kevin Mahogany's stylish vocals. From the street-wise funk of "That Was Then" to the hypnotic and sultry "Oasis" to the latin-tinged "Brasilia" to the soulful urban ballad, "Blind", this wide-ranging set is sophisticated throughout. Evocative, sensuous, and eminently musical - the sound of the city by night is ULTRABLUE "Dusk 2 Dawn".

Ultarblue: David Mann, Pete Belasco (saxophone); Rachel Z (piano); Dave Stryker (guitar).

Personnel: Hernan Romero, Jose Loo, Kevin Mahogany (vocals); Dave Stryker (guitar, nylon-string guitar); Pete Belasco (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Erik Lawrence (soprano saxophone); David Mann (alto saxophone); Bob Parsons (baritone saxophone); John Smatla (piano, keyboards, programming); Rachel Z (piano); Paul Frazier (electric bass, background vocals); Rick Knowles (cymbals, drum programming); Rozz Morehead (background vocals).

Recording information: No Comment Studios, Belleville, NJ (2002).

Additional personnel: Kevin Mahogany (vocals).