Patrick Yandall Samoa Soul CD

Considering the overly corporate approach taken in the 2000s to smooth jazz playlists, you've got to give indie troopers like this San Diego-based guitarist credit for hanging in there. No matter the brilliance or raves given to Patrick Yandall's five previous releases, he's still not quite a household name in the genre, but each time out, he easily surpasses himself compositionally (all-important in this hook happy genre) and as a performer. Though the title of this collection might inspire visions of grooving on a charming Pacific Island, the music on Samoa Soul is all hip, mostly electric, deliriously funky (when its not cool and laid-back), and in-the-pocket smooth jazz with hints of gospel and Latin. Yandall's also showing exciting chops as a producer, surrounding his snappy melody on the opening title track with horn sizzle and a moody retro-soul ambience. The bluesy approach and crisp mix of acoustic and electric strings on "Fade to Black" brings to mind Larry Carlton, while he applies a sizzling Latin authenticity (and some incredibly rich, melodic keyboard work) to Tom Browne's oft-covered "Funkin' for Jamaica." Joining the more mainstream smooth jazz selections (and somewhat superfluous cover of "Sailing") are more adventurous tracks like the Brazilian-lite "Who's the Bossa" and the playful, happy rocker "The Beat Generation." With any luck, Samoa Soul will be Yandall's long-awaited breakthrough onto the A-list of smooth jazz stars. It's one of the best indie releases of the genre in 2006. ~ Jonathan Widran

Jonathan Widran (Billboard, All Music Guide, Jazziz, Smooth Jazz News, etc...) says "Samoa Soul", "is one of the best smooth jazz releases of 2006"! Jazz Times in November issue of 2005 rated Patrick's "Eyes of Mars" release as one of the top releases of the season in an article that featured releases by Herbie Hancock, Brian Culbertson, Euge Groove, Bob James, Najee, and many other huge smooth jazz and jazz stars. Keith Hanneleck (a.k.a. the Muzikman" said "thank God for jazz musicians like Patrick Yandall'! Smoothjazznow, smoothjazz.com, raved about his "Eyes of Mars" and his "From the Ashes" releases. Ted Hasiuk of JazzLynx rated "Eyes of Mars" #6 for the year! Check out this followup and Patrick's 7th international release "Samoa Soul". This is a groovefest with some blues and latin tunes for just the right amount of spice! Nominated for Jazz CD of the year by the San Diego Music Awards! Receiving worldwide airplay! Highly recommended by the SmoothJazzClub in Italy! R&B, Blues, and Latin flavors all combine to make this a buffet of musical cuisine.With influences like Larry Carlton, George Benson, Mike Stern, & Steve Lukather, no wonder his music is not the cookie cutter smooth jazz sound, but music with a soul that anyone regardless of age, gender, or musical tastes, can enjoy!Endorsed by Seymour Duncan, Elixir strings, Levys Leathers Ltd, Carvin, Naked Guitars, and Mesa Boogie. See why these companies back this incredible contemporary jazz guitarist.

Recording information: MoBop Studios, San Diego, CA.

Personnel: Patrick Yandall (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, horns, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, bass synthesizer, bass guitar, drum programming); André Mayeux (piano, Clavinet).

Audio Mixer: André Mayeux.