In a Heartbeat
Guitarist Chuck Loeb's 10th solo recording is a pleasant, mild-mannered affair suitable for anyone whose ear is favorably inclined toward the softer side of smooth jazz. Loeb ups the tempo periodically onIn a Heartbeat(a title subtly linked to his own modest heart-murmur condition),  but the overall mood is polite and relaxed, appropriate for anyone in a sitting-by-the-pool frame of mind. Accompanied at various times by soprano saxophonistKim Waters(the slow-go "New Life"), saxophonistAndy Snitzer(on "Big Time," a sultry mix of sax and electric guitar), and reed playerDavid Mann, Loeb gives the disc a slightBob James-like urban edge, but never at the expense of the project's overall sheen of smoothness. Three vocal tracks will probably help Loeb pick up radio airplay, but the disc's primary highlights are found in three instrumentals: a flavorful nod toWes Montgomery("Sway"), the animated licks that close the breezy "Santa Cruz," and the warm melody that adorns "The Goodbye."--Terry Wood