This soulful newcomer offers everything a solid smooth jazz saxman should: catchy melodies, surehanded blowing, and even a little variety from the usual pop-soul fare with the bouncy, brassy (and appropriately titled) alto tune "Lynn's Latin Groove." His only problem is putting out a strong independent recording when there are so many wonderful saxmen who do the same type of thing just as well or better.
Cunningham's solid entry sums up the dilemma faced by smooth jazz consumers everywhere -- take a chance on the new guy with a sweet sound and delicious songs with somewhat generic titles (the soprano gems "Waiting for Love," "Your Everlasting Love") or turn to Boney James,"
Dave Koz, or
Euge Groove? But those are all marketing worries. If you've never heard any of the big cats,
Cunningham would more than satisfy your desire for strong mood music with nice grooves and exciting production techniques by
Cunningham and multi-instrumentalist Alsamad. Another delightful dilemma he faces is his proficiency on all three saxes. It's hard to decide whether the tenor tune "A Song for Derrick" is a better choice for a single than any of the tender soprano songs. Worth taking the chance if you want to feel yet more smooth jazz love. ~ Jonathan Widran