Deep Into It
Thirty years ago, when Larry Carlton recorded the original version of "Put It Where You Want It," he was the newest member of the legendaryCrusaders. On "Deep into It," featuring a long jamming remake of that classic tune, the guitarist is welcoming a new sax voice into the smooth-jazz fold,Chris Potter, heretofore known for his daring jazz work as a leader and with theDave Holland Quintet. While Carlton doesn't come close to meeting Potter halfway on the acoustic/smooth-jazz axis, the guitarist, as the title suggests, does dig a bit deeper into the smooth-jazz harmonic and rhythmic framework. Potter sounds as comfortable playing here as he does playing more adventurous music. His tone has a grittier edge than most smooth-jazz players, but it's made palatable by Carlton's familiar warm guitar sound. Programmers Carl Burnett and Rex Rideout sparkle on the title track, "Morning Magic," and "Don't Break My Heart," while the tracks closest to the smooth-jazz center feature sax manKirk Whalumor coproducer Paul Brown as composer and/or arranger, including a version of the Eagles' beautiful song, "I Can't Tell You Why," featuring vocalistShai.--Mark Ruffin