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Chris Geith/Island of a Thousand Dreams

A

AC Tones

Guys, this CD just about blew my mind! I have always liked Chris's vibe, and anyone who watches TWC regularly is familiar with his music. Sure, EVERYONE knows Culbertson, Karukas, and Lorber, some of the all time great keyboard players this genre has seen. But Chris's music is worthy of being mentioned amongst these guys...it is that good. Incredible throwback NAC vibe with a contemporary flair. Far too many great cuts to mention. I'll put it to you this way. I am adding 11 of the 15 to my playlist, and I don't think I have been able to say that about ANY CD I have ever sampled or owned. I can easily say it is an instant classic in my mind, and is a MUST for your collection!!
 
I didn't like the first 3 songs on this CD.."Once In A Lifetime" has that "smooth jazz shuffle" sound and lite brushing of the keys that just screams EZ listening/old (Feel the same way about the single I just got from Jonathan Fritzen and most of Karukas and Brian Simpson's stuff) but then this thing starts to get really good and a lot more contemporary sounding. Guess he frontloaded it for the few old guys left in the biz but there are some delicious songs on this thing as you get in deeper
 
Nock said:
ME, I'm hitting --- Tomorrows Promise

Nock
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Beat me to the punch, Nock. "Tomorrow's Promise" is absolutely kickin' and is the best cut on the CD, hands down. Also really like the melodic "Eternal Spring," which has been featured prominently on TWC.
 
The one I'm hitting most is "Diamonds in the Sky" With "Above the Clouds" and "Flying West" coming in close behind. "West" reminds me of those cool John Jarvis songs from the late 80s.
 
AnotherCat said:
The one I'm hitting most is "Diamonds in the Sky" With "Above the Clouds" and "Flying West" coming in close behind. "West" reminds me of those cool John Jarvis songs from the late 80s.
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All three of those are real nice...I've added those as well. Shades of Jarvis for sure. Geith invokes elements that made the NAC vibe so great, while also making the music sound fresh, contemporary, and relevant. It is the blueprint for the future of the genre. Enough of the sleepy sax and the over-the-top funk and popping bass at the other end of the spectrum. Find the "sweet spot" (upbeat melodies with vibe) and go with it. :)
 
Most of the artists that came out on the old MCA Master series label were Nashville session heavies - even Carlton had relocated to Nashville by then..except for Acoustic Alchemy, which was a fluke story..
 
I guess we've pegged my preferences, because after me making that stink about Jonathan Fritzen's new disc and then seeing you guys saying Geith's disc was better, I finally got around to listening to Geith's new CD, and while amazing, I'm still liking Fritzen's disc better, and I'm also liking the first three tracks of Geith's CD the best, which are the tracks you guys are saying are the weakest of Geith's disc. I keep hitting track 1, "Watch Your Step" as my strongest favorite track. I guess I've learned something here: that even in this great genre of music we call smooth jazz, there are almost mini sub-genre's that some of us lean towards. I guess I like that noodling, EZ piano sound, while you guys are going for more of the improv. Interesting stuff, but it just proves we're all unique and we can agree to disagree, but we still love this genre in general! Just like a family who doesn't agree on everything but are still a family. ;D
 
Haven't had a chance to sample Fritzen's full yet, I-78. Just spinning the single right now. But I can guarantee you I will go deep on it once I get it. I'm a huge fan of his sound. Like you, I also prefer the more melodic, radio-friendly cuts typically, which is why I think Geith's CD is so good. You can play good, original contemporary instrumental melodies without having to play burned out vocals or covers, or get too crazy with the funk. I definitely take a middle of the road approach to my programming---far from BA's approach on the one end, and equally far from the kind of 10-minute jam sessions you sometimes hear at live shows.

I have never been a big fan of playing music that was recorded live either. Live music is meant to be enjoyed LIVE, IMO. When I see guys coming out with LIVE CDs of music that is basically nothing but old material, what's the point? I don't particularly care for the sleepy trumpet or sax like Botti and Boney's recent stuff, Metheny's weird over-synthed early stuff, or the over-funked popping bass. One of my favorite lines when talking about Chris Botti and Boney James is that I used to like Chris Botti and Boney James' music before they became Chris Botti and Boney James, i.e., before they became big name, mainstream artists and staple products of the BA sound. To this day, my favorite Boney CD is "Trust" from 1994, and Botti's "Midnight Without You." Give me a good contemporary instrumental melody that is original and upbeat, and I am a happy man. :)
 
Agree 100%, AC about going for the middle ground. I really need to listen to your station more. If only I was a little more high-tech and had the internet on my phone like everyone else. But in that way, I'm old-fashioned. :) Did you ever check out that company I think I told you about awhile back, Audio Now to see if you could get on there? The college station I enjoy that plays smooth jazz half time, Kutztown University Radio, is on there. http://audionow.com/
 
To this day, my favorite Boney CD is "Trust" from 1994, and Botti's "Midnight Without You." Give me a good contemporary instrumental melody that is original and upbeat, and I am a happy man.
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Funny that should come up because I had my WindowsMediaPlayer on shuffle and "Roadrunner" from Trust came on and it sounded just as strong as it did the day it came out.

Actually I'm not into improv at all..I like really structured melodies. But also forward momentum..where a song keeps a pace or builds and doesn't get draggy or stall out..which is why a lot of these acoustic keyboard players don't do it for me..there will be a pretty powerful section of the song then it grinds to a halt and dwindles into grace notes. But I am going for a more AAA/pop-rock oriented and younger sound..this stuff works for the more jazzy/older targeting music mixes.
Speaking of which check out Pete Lacey's "Viccisitudes"
 
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