Play, the brand new CD from contemporary jazz saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, has debuted at #2 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Chart. The album, which features over a dozen great tracks, was released July 31 on Native Language Music. Play is Kashiwa's fourth outing for the label. The Seattle native is out on the road now in support of this release.
One of the most diverse sax players in all of contemporary jazz, Jeff Kashiwa established himself as a dynamic live saxophonist during his amazing decade-long tenure with The Rippingtons. Kashiwa used some of his down time from the group to lay the foundation for his solo career, which has included five previous albums and a #1 hit on the Radio & Records chart with "Hyde Park (The Aah, Ooh Song)."
At the emotional core of his new CD Play are the eight Kashiwa-produced tracks recorded live at Sounden Studios with his band Coastal Access. In addition to longtime members Allen Hinds (guitar), Melvin Davis (bass) and Dave Hooper (drums), the saxman brought in legendary Yellowjackets keyboardist Russell Ferrante to play sparkling acoustic piano and Fender Rhodes, along with famed percussionist Lenny Castro.
Coastal Access is the ensemble appearing on Play's first single, the sizzling retro soul-flavored funk jam "Forever." The fiery track is already getting a great response from NAC radio. Some of Play's other songs include the exotic, reggae-tinged "Blue Jeans"; the sensuous "New View," and a lush ballad, Fall." The adventurous "Way Out West" features drum programming by Kashiwa's Native Language labelmates Four80East). "The songs cover a lot of stylistic territory, from funky pop to more classic traditional jazz," said Kashiwa. "They're all part of my new definition of ‘play' - to be free, to engage in joyful activity. We just got in the studio and said, let's play. Let's really play!"
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