This Is What I Hear

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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)

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.