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01. Summer Groove
02. Dance
03. Miracle
04. Candy's Groove
05. Angels (Interlude)
06. Angels
07. Acoustic Rain
08. New Day
09. This Song's for You
10. Table for Two
11. 225
12. My Praise
13. My Praise (Reprise)
14. Angels (Reprise)
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Tim Bowman is carving a niche for himself in the growing genre
of instrumental gospel-flavored jazz, combining his classical guitar
training with his gospel roots in This Is What I Hear, his fourth
album of guitar-driven smooth jazz.
The album opens with "Summer Groove," which is upbeat
and cool in a way reminiscent of relief from a hot summer day. Nelson
Rangel joins Bowman on sax, and son Tim Bowman II offers a light
occasional scat. "Dance" features Mo'Horns in brassy interplay
with Bowman's nimble fingers over Terrance Palmer's slightly brooding
bass. "Miracle" has a sense of lingering wonder, accented
by Dana Davis on keys, and "Candy's Groove," contributed
by Bowman's daughter, is heated and funky.
"Angels" features Kayla Parker's cool, slightly smoky
vocals in a song with lyrics that feel like an updated version of
Andrae Crouch's "Got Me Some Angels." "Acoustic Rain"
has a feeling of peace and cleansing recognizable even without the
title, and "New Day" picks things up with fresh energy
and a hint of sass. Marvin Winans offers weathered, assured lead
vocals on "This Song's for You." "Table for Two"
is easy and romantic, while "225" features electric piano
and organ-and a light, urban cool. Rance Allen and Bowman's sister
Vickie Winans are a pleasurable listen on "My Praise."
Like much smooth jazz, This Is What I Hear would make great background
music for a dinner party or road trip. But Bowman's smooth-not-sleepy
technique and the variety of sounds on the album make it worth a
closer, more attentive listen for jazz lovers and guitar enthusiasts
alike.
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