Bobby Wells Bayside CD

While he's not quite as slick and richly produced as top smooth jazz keyboardist Brian Culbertson, this Denver and funk-based keyboardist mines similarly accessible territory on his fourth release, with immediately likeable results. Between frequent returns to the catchy hook of the title track with acoustic guitarist Michael O'Neill are lovely acoustic piano runs that show a deeper jazz sensibility than most genre hits have. Wells and O'Neill (on a restrained electric) go a bit more retro soulful on the moody "My Heart to Yours." While always bubbling under the surface of the genre elite, Wells is well connected enough to have had Kirk Whalum on his previous release It's About Time, and Eric Marienthal's rich tenor on two key tracks here -- the dreamy romance "I Barely Know You" and the light funk gem "Loosen Up." Wells goes gently exotic on "Rio Good" with the help of well-known flutist Bryan Savage and lets Mel Brown's cool, thumping bass share the glory on "My All in All." Left to his own devices, Wells does just fine, brightening up the easy grooves of "Traffic Jam" with an energetic keyboard melody. His only serious misstep is in assuming he should do his own vocals on "I'm That Kind of Guy." The tune has a great, Rhodes-flavored vibe but the overall result is bland. As a singer, Wells has a limited future, but as a smooth jazz keyboardist, he's worthy of much more attention. ~ Jonathan Widran

Songwriter/producer/keyboardist Bobby Wells features a cool line up of artists for the "BAYSIDE"project: National recording artist Eric Marienthal/Sax, Michael O'Neill/Guitar, Bryan Savage/Flute, Mel Brown/Bass, Darren Rahn/Sax, Bobby Wells/Keyboards/Vocals and Brandy Wells/background vocalsBobby began his recording career in the Rocky Mountain city of Denver, Colorado after winning the "Battle of the Bands" for Smooth Jazz radio station 94.

7 KHIH. He's since then moved to L.A. to be closer to the industry. Bobby's music is best described as: feel good, warm, soulful, energetic and passionate. He blends tasty hints of caribbean and latin rhythms with his roots of funk, pop and jazz into a Smooth Jazz vibe. He's worked with and shared the stage or billings with some of the most powerful names in Smooth Jazz such as: BONEY JAMES, RICHARD ELLIOT, CRAIG CHAQUICO, NATHAN EAST, MICHAEL O'NEILL, EVERETTE HARP, PETER WHITE, DOC POWELL, WARREN HILL, DOTSERO, BOBBY CALDWELL, KEN NAVARRO, KIRK WHALUM, JEFF LORBER, FATTBURGER, NELSON RANGELL, BAMBOO FOREST, ANDREW WOOLFOLK (of EARTH, WIND & FIRE) and more...