Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards Collection
The first annual Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards ceremony was held in January 2000 in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, home of the Oasis smooth-jazz radio station. This 14-song compilation showcases previously released tracks that are representative of the artists who performed at the show--folks likeDave KozandRuss Freeman & the Rippingtons. This collection also boasts up-and-coming acts with brand new music not yet heard on radio. The best of the latter class includes aStanley Clarke-sounding bassist, Brian Bromberg, doing a highly charged duet with smooth jazz superstarRichard Elliot. Newcomer Grady Nichols may have the best instrumental track on the sampler with "Alone with You," which was co-written and produced byJeff Lorber.The producers here did a pretty good job of creating the flavor of smooth-jazz radio, but the choice ofJonathan ButlerandPatti Austinas the only vocalists was outstanding. Of course, the chosen songs--Butler's take on theJr. Walker & the All Starsclassic "What Does It Take" and Austin's title track from her albumIn and Out of Love--contain a lot more urban spirit than most smooth radio stations are willing to air.--Mark Ruffin