On their debut album, Pasadena, CA's
A Little Space plays fusion jazz that draws from
Steely Dan,
Al Jarreau, and
Sting as well as salsa, soul, and funk. With smooth vocals by church choir director Terrell Moran,
A Little Space comes off like a starry, latter-day
Aaron Neville. Moran has a beautiful voice for sure, but Alan "Big Al" Gruskoff's songwriting pulls from so many influences and genres that he never has the punch of a
Stevie Wonder or even
the Yellowjackets or
Weather Report. "My Own Sweet Time" is funky in a contemporary, smooth jazz way; "She Walks, She Talks" has soulful,
Lionel Richie vocals; and "Hanging Around," one of the best songs on the record, employs an old standards-style piano melody. But the overall gloss is adult contemporary pop and soft rock, and though fans of fusion looking for a mellow groove might appreciate
A Little Space, the album might prove a little over-produced for some listeners, whether they're fans of rock, soul, or jazz. ~ Charles Spano