From Gregg Karukas' prolific resume as a sideman for Boney James, Peter White, and Larry Carlton, among others, to a hot streak of radio hits dating back to 1987, this versatile keyboardist perfectly captures the joyful, optimistic, smooth jazz lifestyle. The title of his latest independently released gem, Looking Up, characterizes the uplifting nature of the disc, which features a slate of more irresistible keyboard melodies and a wide rhythmic palette that includes old-school soul, driving funk, samba (his Brazilian ...
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From Gregg Karukas' prolific resume as a sideman for Boney James, Peter White, and Larry Carlton, among others, to a hot streak of radio hits dating back to 1987, this versatile keyboardist perfectly captures the joyful, optimistic, smooth jazz lifestyle. The title of his latest independently released gem, Looking Up, characterizes the uplifting nature of the disc, which features a slate of more irresistible keyboard melodies and a wide rhythmic palette that includes old-school soul, driving funk, samba (his Brazilian associations include Sergio Mendes and Dori Caymmi), reggae, and his first forays into the chill phenomenon. The disc opens with the vibrant and graceful, easy swinging light funk of "Girl in the Red Dress" (which features lush, retro-soul Rhodes harmonies), then takes us to the funky, old-school "London Underground," the disc's first single which includes B-3 organ harmonies. On the moody, chill-oriented title track, Karukas swirls his bright piano melody with cool, trippy ambient and rhythmic effects. Rick Braun's distant muted trumpet helps Karukas explore the more romantic side of chill on the soothing, lush ballad "First Flight Home," which is followed by "Show Me the Way," a tune that captures the "classic Karukas" sound -- happy, swinging brass sizzling behind a bright, bouncy key melody. While more artistic- than consumer-friendly, the track that digs deepest is "Crossrhodes," a trippy, percussive excursion through classic styles that have been foundational in the keyboardist's musical evolution -- Latin, blues and old-school soul. Karukas once again dares even the most confirmed musical skeptic to kick back with a glass of wine and smile through the dark times. ~ Jonathan Widran, Rovi
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Seller's Description:
Fair. All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods and will show some wear and tear from normal use. Jewel cases will be included but may be damaged and/or cracked. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!