Earl Klugh Move CD

If there's any mystery about how to sustain an instrumental career over nearly two decades, just ask Earl Klugh for the solution. Judging from the well-traveled acoustic guitarist's body of work, it seems to lie in staying true to a certain sweet sound but continually changing the rhythmic and production trappings. After a few ambitious jaunts into the orchestral realm, Klugh on Move shakes up the formula with a mixed bag of logical twists: exotic percussion, African chant vocals, odd vocal effects, swinging rock-blues, and urban-flavored grooves. The result is an inspired new freshness. While sticking to his slick, melodic string style, Klugh infuses more aggressive energy into the pot. A few times, he even lets a harmonica and sax take the lead voice. Klugh's warm flavors have never gone out of style, but it's nice to get a visit from an old friend bearing new and unique gifts. ~ Jonathan Widran

Recorded at Studio A, Dearborn Heights, Michigan.

Personnel: Earl Klugh (guitar, mandolin, keyboards); Kimme Horne, Fred Hammond, Kymberli Wright, Key Bullard, Karl Reid, Marvin Sapp, Mitchell Jones (vocals); Ray Manzerolle (saxophone); David Spradley (piano); Thom Hall, Greg Phillinganes (keyboards); Gene Dunlap (drums, percussion); Lawrence Fratangelo (percussion).

Personnel: Earl Klugh (piano, organ, keyboards, guitar, mandolin); Raymond Manzerolle (saxophone, MIDI wind controller); David Spradley (piano); Albert Duncan, Greg Phillinganes, Thom Hall (keyboards); Perry Hughes, Randy Jacobs, Chuck Silva (guitar); Jimmy Ali, Ralphe Armstrong (bass); Gene Dunlap (drums, percussion); Lawrence Fratangelo, Lorenzo "Spoons" Brown (percussion); Kayla Parker, Parkes Stewart, Mary Thomas, Key Bullard, Kimme Horne, Eddie Bullard, D'Wayne Whitehead, Kymberli Wright (background vocals).

Commissioned: Fred Hammond, Mitchell Jones, Karl Reid, Marvin Sapp.