Reviews

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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.

Zachary Larson

Michael Cates has released his new Smooth Jazz tune New Lives. Opening with an ascending melody that blooms skyward, New Lives instantly casts a starry atmosphere and excited mood. The underlying groove sizzles and moves with a cool intricacy. Layers of guitar push the tune forward and answer the Saxophone, while the bass swells with a laid-back approach. No matter the angle you point your ears to listen, there is always something very intriguing happening in New Lives. Michael Cates plays with a coy approach that is well suited for Smooth Jazz. He employs a wide spectrum of dynamics to keep the melodies alluring. This is particularly effective when matched with his robust tone. Overall, New Lives by Michael Cates is a dazzling new Smooth Jazz tune that is easy on the ears, and totally captivating.

There are many strong points with New Lives. The main melody is quite enthralling, as is the groove, but the tune still manages to keep a cool head and never pushes the listener over the edge. As mentioned above, there are always multiple ideas occurring at once that can grab the listener's attention. The rhythm section responds to one another, or to the lead, and the main melody always holds its own in the spotlight. This is the sort of tune that gets better with each listen.

Zachary Larson

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Newport Nights

Is there anything quite as cool and hip-sounding as a smooth jazz tune? I really don't think there is and "Newport Nights" serves as a brilliant testament to that. Generously stocked with a torrent of sensual sax lines, bouncy bass hooks, wah-infused guitar, and groove-rich rhythms, "Newport Nights" is positively steeped in enough melodic dazzle and harmonic suaveness to entice many a listener. Michael Cates has done a sterling job of capturing that quintessential debonair quality that the smooth Jazz genre is so synonymous with and treats listeners to a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience that's replete with style-drenched performances and exciting musical flamboyancy.

Any smooth Jazz track needs that certain delicate sense of touch when it comes to the performances and from the impeccable phrasing to the subtle nuances that are present in each and every well-executed idea, "Newport Nights" feels well and truly alive, and the simple reason being that every performer is breathing their own distinct character into the track, allowing it to effortlessly dance through its mature melodic and harmonic elements with ease. Instrumental writing is always tricky ground to navigate, yet Michael offers plenty in the way of melodic and rhythmic variety throughout, lines flow effortlessly from one to another whilst the strong sense of groove that serves as the backbone of the track provides ample reason for listeners to want to stay heavily invested in the song from start to finish, and I challenge anyone that says they don't feel compelled to tap their foot and nod their head to "Newport Nights" and its refined sense of character.

Andre Avanessian

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Pulso Nocturno

Michael Cates lights a fire with his new Smooth Jazz tune Pulso Nocturno. Bustling and colorful, the groove moves quickly and pumps life into the air. It seems to work and exist as one mass of sound, with each instrument poking its head out only so often. Cates approaches the melodic work in Pulso Nocturno with a touch of restraint. He holds back from bombastic belting and instead leans more toward the delicate side. This leads to a feeling of anticipation and excitement for what may come next. It is in the hook where the energy reaches its boiling point. After pushing the melody side to side, the tune opens up to let out the steam. The end result being an experience that hooks the listener and has them coming back for more. All in all, Pulso Nocturno by Michael Cates is enthralling and exciting from start to finish.

Michael Cates shows off some Soprano Sax chops with Pulso Nocturno. The melody is nearly continuous, and requires a great deal of breath and stamina. He pulls this off with ease by avoiding wild displays. Because the melody is so continuous, the energy stays high and captivating.

Zachary Larson