West of Westchester
Having made its debut in 1990, the Denver-based trio Dotsero has been part of the smooth jazz landscape since the early days. But despite a handful of picture-perfect efforts, the band has rarely received its due popularity. Hopefully all that will change with West of Westchester, Dotsero's debut for Russ Freeman's Peak label, which was produced by the Rippingtons' leader.Freeman adds numerous exotic and electronic effects to Dotsero's core sound of lighthearted melodies driven by Michael Friedman's plucky bass frolicking beneath Stephen Watts' optimistic sax lines. The title track, a cover of a classic Bob James' tune, begins with a playful blend of David Watts' echoing wah-wah guitar and trip-hoppy jungle percussion over Kip Kuepper's hypnotic electric keyboard riffs. Watts' rich alto melody on "Lodo Mojo" is backed by more wah-wah echo and a dreamy ambiance, all enhanced by a shaker percussion groove.Freeman also helps Dotsero get beyond its usual bouncy, happy-go-lucky demeanor. "Then There Was You" features a more robust approach from Watts and a thick, thoughtful bassline from Friedman. Though Kuepper is not an official member of the trio, the Dotsero boys defer to him frequently, allowing him to stretch and improvise on electric piano for a Crusaders-like retro effect on "Lodo Mojo."--Jonathan Widran, JAZZIZ MagazineCopyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.--From Jazziz