YEARNING
The new identity this tune takes is very cool. The 1980 original is great in so many ways, and this new version shows how versatile the source material can be. This arrangement has a much bigger presence, and has some instant gratification that hooks the listener. Cates takes full advantage of this and keeps them on the line with his sax skills.
Night In Dubai
California-based jazz saxophonist/composer Michael Cates takes listeners on an exquisitely exciting musical expedition, with his release of "Night in Dubai." Meticulously sequenced electronic percussion playing intricate Middle Eastern rhythms melds with deep, funky bass and wah-wah rhythm guitar on this track, forming an ideal backdrop for spellbinding sax magic, allowing Cates' alto to soar to exhilarating heights. Alternating between exotic minor Arabic modes and more traditional jazz scales, he paints a fascinating canvas here that will delight contemporary jazz lovers. Nu jazz and Clubjazz fans in particular shouldn't sleep on Michael Cates' "Night in Dubai".
Strongest Point(s): Outstanding production, solid mix. Engaging intro. Fantastic groove. Compelling arrangement, nice modal use of the motif. Bass sounds amazing, excellent line. Love the Middle Eastern string instrument that sits in the back of the mix, adds yet another layer of exotic flavor. Sax layers sound incredible, nice "big room" sound. Phenomenal playing; great "brassy" tone here, you really have strong command in the higher register. Remarkable sense of tension and release in the solo sections. All in all this is a really fun and interesting composition that's perfectly executed, and a tremendous production from top to bottom. Terrific work by everyone involved!
Sultry melodies and tantalizing rhythms abound in Michael Cates' new tune In Your Eyes. A Smooth Jazz spectacle with a heavy groove, In Your Eyes is effortlessly confident and slightly uninhibited. It opens with an attention-grabbing solo sax line that lets you know this tune is not fooling around. The bass-forward groove is accented with stylish guitar and keys to create a mood that is hot and heavy. When the main melody kicks in, In Your Eyes shows its softer side and nestles right into your memory. There are harmonized moments of tender bliss, and show stopping explosions that makes In Your Eyes endlessly entertaining. It seems to have a life of its own, with Cates nudging it in the right direction. Throw this tune on to set the mood, and see where the night takes you.
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