Some might think that the third album in
John Tesh's wildly successful
Sax series would be a little redundant, and it is true that
Sax All Night sounds a bit similar to its two predecessors. This time around, however, familiarity does not breed contempt -- it merely accentuates
Tesh's strengths, which are his knack for smooth, seductive sounds and romantic melodies. Comprised equally of original material and covers (including
Peter Gabriel's "Red Rain,"
James Taylor's "Mexico,"
Elton John's "Rocket Man" and
Melissa Etheridge's "Come to My Window"),
Sax All Night sustains its warm, fireside ambience throughout the entire album. As the leader of the album,
Tesh sets the tone of the music, but he lets the saxophonists --
Nelson Rangell,
Jeff Kashiwa,
Eric Marienthal and
Brandon Fields -- shine. Of course, if you haven't gotten aboard the
Tesh train yet, you won't be swayed by
Sax All Night, but if you've had
Sax by the Fire or
Sax on the Beach, this disc is right up your alley. ~ Rodney Batdorf