It's on Tonight
The phrase "It’s On Tonight," is a catch-word leading to nocturnal negotiations. On this, his seventh CD as a leader, the Illinois-born keyboardist Brian Culberston composed a 12-song "seduction suite," designed to inspire moonlight maneuvers--legal or illicit. His cohorts in carnal knowledge and crime include several vocalists:Will Downing's impassioned baritone imbues the zesty title track. The always awesomePatti Austingraces "Love Will Never Let You Down," andMarc Nelsonlends his poetic pipes to the straightforward "Wear it Out." SaxophonistsBoney JamesandKirk Whalumlend their silken improvisations to the mix, along with the Milesian musings of trumpeterChris Botti. Culbertson’s musicality obviously speaks the language of the radio-friendly smooth jazz variety, albeit laced with the influences of Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, and Tower of Power. In this idiom, the groove rules, and Culbertson and company ride them like pros.--Eugene Holley, Jr.