Affirmation Discography of CDs

Affirmation music CDs Originally released by the Inner City label 20 years ago, this digitally remastered album fuses not only elements of rock and jazz, but the diverse backgrounds of the members of the group. Prior associations include stints with the Shirelles, Earth, Wind & Fire, Frank Zappa, and Burt Bacharach. One might say this group -- knowingly or not -- helped set the stage for the smooth jazz movement 20 years ago. With the use of keyboards, synthesizer, and other electrically driven wizardry, they create that seamless, undynamic, rarely pausing smooth jazz feel, but still allow some room for improvisation. The major credit for that goes to the jazz viola of Jimbo Ross. He swings with emotion on "Essence," driven by Mike Fisher's percussive implements. Ross' tone and agility help put to rest that snide remark about the "oversized violin" (viz., "if you ...

Affirmation discography Recorded at at Track Record, Hollywood, California. Affirmation: Thom Teresi (various instruments, piano, Clavinet); Joe Gaeta (guitar); Jimbo Ross (viola, electric viola); Tom Fowler (bass guitar); Ron Wagner (drums, percussion). Personnel: Dianne Reeves (vocals); Walfredo Reyes (drums); Johnny Mandel (percussion). Audio Mixer: Bill Metoyer. Affirmation: Jimbo Ross (electric viola); Ron Wagner (marimba, drums); Thom Teresi (keyboards); Joe Gaeta (guitar); Tom Fowler (bass); John Mandell (percussion). Additional personnel: Diane Reeves (vocals); Vito San Filippo (bass); Walfredo Reyes (drums).