Everything for Love
Having recorded what is likely the first smooth jazz in 1977 withFeels So Good, Chuck Mangione doesn't stray far from that formula onEverything for Love. Solid and decidedly mellow,Lovefollows Mangione's 1999 comeback,The Feeling's Back, with another chemistry lesson in jazz. Mangione's backed by largely the same band that he recorded with in the '70s, including guitaristGrant Geissmanand reed man Gerry Niewood. He's updated and expanded his original smooth-jazz sound, though, with the addition of newcomer Corey Allen. The keyboardist blends well and adds obvious sparks to the group, particularly when he plays organ, as on "Amazing Grace" and several other tracks. Old fans will find lots of familiar motifs, harmonies, and rhythms associated with Mangione's writing style. "Seoul Sister" is reminiscent of "Hill Where the Lord Hides," and he even quotes "It Feels So Good" on "Peggy Hill," a song composed for the television showKing of the Hill. Even before the long shadow ofFeels So Good's title track, Mangione's lyrical flügelhorn was remarkable, and onLove, his horn is still expertly lyrical and his group gels as it did in the best of times.--Mark Ruffin