Reviewed by Andy Cooper

This is jazz pianist and organist Peter Daley's first solo album, though he has played and arranged for many a more famous name: Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond, Vickie Winans and jazz guitarist Brit Ronny Jordan. Even so, he's not hogging the limelight here, but allowing the other band members plenty of air time to show their own chops. A good sign of maturity from a young man. He manages convincingly to cover many styles too: Chick Corea Elektric band in "Sunrise", Jimmy Smith jazz organ, Yellow Jackets fusion with "Fast Winds", the smooth funk of incognito, and the '60s modern jazz of Wayne Shorter & Miles Davis in "Blueson". But some things don't quite work so well: the hip-hop funk of "Go Go" takes too long to start grooving, and the vocal is trite and not as motivational as the title would suggest. There are three other vocal tracks, showing more of an R&B influence with a more programmed electronic backing, but none of which flow quite so well as the pure instrumentals. Surprisingly for this solo album, the keyboard solos are not quite as outstanding as the various sax, guitar and trumpet performances from the many guest musicians. However, Peter penned each of the 12 compositions so it's still a worthy showcase for his talents as a band leader, and he gets to really shine on the last track "B-Free": a seven minute Hammond (B-3) organ improvisation which reveals his gospel roots and upbringing. It is encouraging to know there are creative Christians having such an influence as Peter's in the British jazz scene.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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