John Yoakum - Prez
Jazz, Smooth Jazz
CA, United States
Overall Impression: John Yoakum's sound is endearingly reminiscent of the giants of Smooth Jazz - layering harmonic complexities over a slowly driving groove before switching into a higher, yet still calm gear in his original composition, Prez. Gorgeous saxophone melodies mingle with light piano stylings, clever percussion, warm bass deliveries and a multitude of other musical sounds to make Prez a memorably warm audio experience!
Strongest Point(s): Fantastic composition! Wonderful transitions from section to section, and each moment feels like it belongs in the canon. Love the repeated wind ostinato that begins in the flute at 2:56, and the gradual melodic and harmonic transformations that take place beneath it. The diversity of instrumentation works so nicely together to make the piece feel sentimental and endearing. Really beautiful work!
Target Audience Appeal: Listeners looking for something Jazzy but not overly complicated will fully appreciate the sound and feel of John Yoakum's Prez. Conveying the timelessness of grooves that soothe, Prez stands to resonate with anyone looking to unwind while enjoying skillful, harmonically rich, and melodically warm music.
Artist target suggestions: Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Brad Mehldau, Julien Lage, John Scofield, Charles Lloyd, Weather Report, Wayne Shorter, Paolo Fresu, Keith Jarrett
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About the Reviewer:
Jon Wright is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and music educator with nearly twenty years of experience in the field. Working with musicians and their individual sounds is his passion and profession, and he strives to interact with and understand every aspect of the production process - from theory and songwriting to recording and mastering. He continues to teach students of all ages and is currently collaborating with artists in a wide variety of genres.