Guitarist
Brian Hughes harks back to the early '70s Creed Taylor sound on
Shakin' Not Stirred, mixing blues, Brazilian and Latin rhythms, and atmospheric early fusion sounds in ways that often resemble the CTI recordings of
Freddie Hubbard or
Stanley Turrentine. The sound is certainly accessible, but it isn't blatant commercial pandering -- it's obvious that
Hughes has genuine affection for this style of music and knows precisely what made it compelling to begin with. Jazz purists may be dismissive, but fusion fans unfamiliar with
Hughes may have a discovery to make. ~ Steve Huey