Good Life
David Lanz built his reputation on sentimental solo piano themes, notably the title theme from 1988's New Age chart topping disc,Cristofori's Dream. He's expanded his repertoire over the years with various ensemble and orchestral recordings, but the core of his sound has always been sweet, romantic compositions dressed in faux-classical filigree. That ain'tThe Good Life. Lanz comments in his liner notes thatThe Good Lifeis "extroverted, uptempo, light hearted." In an attempt at reinvention, Lanz resorts to smooth jazz calculations with snappy rhythms, melodies that slipped off the cruise ship lounge and arrangements bought cut-rate at the strip mall. Smooth jazz hired guns are brought in, including saxophonistEric Marienthaland keyboardistsJeff LorberandGregg Karukas, who also co-produced the disc. They conspire to giveThe Good Lifea generically slick sheen, but it lacks even the hint of a soul, not even a Jimmy Buffett-good-time soul.The Good Lifeis ultimately lifeless. --John Diliberto