In four short years, contemporary/smooth jazz tenor saxophonist Jessica Arellano (Jessy J) has made quite a splash. Hot Sauce, her Heads Up International debut -- and fourth album overall -- was produced by Paul Brown, and includes guest appearances from heavyweights Joe Sample, drummer Harvey Mason, guitarist Ray Parker Jr., and vocalist Saunders Sermons. Arellano wrote or co-wrote eight of the album's ten compositions. Its finest moments include the opener, "Remember the Night," which channels Grover Washington Jr.'s Kudu ...
Read More
In four short years, contemporary/smooth jazz tenor saxophonist Jessica Arellano (Jessy J) has made quite a splash. Hot Sauce, her Heads Up International debut -- and fourth album overall -- was produced by Paul Brown, and includes guest appearances from heavyweights Joe Sample, drummer Harvey Mason, guitarist Ray Parker Jr., and vocalist Saunders Sermons. Arellano wrote or co-wrote eight of the album's ten compositions. Its finest moments include the opener, "Remember the Night," which channels Grover Washington Jr.'s Kudu era; the bluesy "Rio Grande," on which her tenor is beautifully balanced by Marco Brasci's keyboard work and Brown's guitar playing; and the title track, where she branches out to showcase some fiery Latin grooves. "Rainbow Gold," written with Sample and including Parker and Mason, is a solid funky jazz track save for Arellano's vocals. She is a plaintive singer who hasn't mastered being able to stand out in front of a big instrumental mix. The pop tune "We Kissed" is marred by the same trait. These are minor annoyances, however. The surprise reading of Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood" as a jazzy soul number showcases Sermons' satin-finish vocals in an original arrangement with compelling snare work by Josh Guinta. Sample, Parker, and Mason also appear on set closer "Last Night," which is such a groove-laden number that Arellano's vocals get in the way because they are primarily a briefly sung refrain. Parker's guitars, Nick Sample's bassline, papa Joe's elegant acoustic piano, and Mason's breaks are an excellent supporting cast for Arellano's in-the-cut soloing. The bottom line on Hot Sauce is that it's a more mature and realized record than what she's done before and takes some chances -- even when they don't pay off. It's tightly arranged, well produced, and beautifully played. ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Hot Sauce to cart. $16.00, fair condition, Sold by Service First Media rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Taylorsville, KY, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by Heads Up International.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, booklet, and back artwork. Disc(s), case, booklet, and back artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
