After a long string of outstanding CDs, this uneven effort is a bit of a disappointment.
Martin Taylor is one of the top jazz guitarists around, but by adding dull smooth jazz saxophonist
Kirk Whalum and Brian Siewert's cheesy keyboards and dreadful programming to
David Newton's "Kiss And Tell," the title cut ends up sounding like any number of generic pop jazz recordings. Likewise, the bland version of the trite "Midnight at the Oasis" will not impress long time
Taylor fans. Fortunately, Whalum does acquit himself somewhat on tenor sax during his duet with the leader of "The Nearness of You." The remainder of the CD is a mixed bag. High points include
Taylor's solos of "Mona Lisa" and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus; " while covers of old TV themes like "The Odd Couple" and "Five-O" with keyboardist
Matt Rollings and company have little to offer.
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Ken Dryden, Rovi