Shadow and Light
It's no wonder that many former guitar rockers likePeter White,Jeff Golub, andCraig Chaquicoare  succeeding in smooth jazz. They have a sharp, alluring energy to their smooth  jazz licks and rhythm playing that's filtered through years of generating the  manic energy needed for arena rock. This formerJefferson Starshipmember  may be the most tasteful of the three, for in addition to highly charged tracks  like "Innocent Kiss" and "Café Carnival," Chaquico has seemingly mastered the  art of crafting hooks that are at once catchy like a good pop tune, but  sophisticated enough to provide interesting chord changes for dynamic soloing.  To call this 10-song set radio-friendly is an understatement, as programmers  will feast on "Westside Hotel," "Afterglow," "Could We Fall in Love," and the  too cool "Luminosa," but there's plenty of substance for lovers of good guitar  playing. Chaquico's longtime collaborator Ozzie Ahlers also shines throughout,  with some burning organ on "Hurry Home" and a surprising tribute to piano legend  Les McCann on the classic "Compared to What."--Mark Ruffin