Album Notes

As reviewed on Smoothjazz.com and Jazzreview.com:

Helios' independent debut release is treasure for those seeking substance with their melodic jazz.

This thing just burns from the moment you set it spinning -- It's masterful.

Ten solid tracks featuring the talents of founders Peter Cor and Gary Carpenter.

The band resides on the Santa Cruz side of the Monterey Bay.

The Central Coast of California appears to becoming more and more of a hotbed for contemporary jazz artists.

Keyboardist Peter Cor has spent his career contributing to the music of Earth, Wind & Fire (he wrote "Getaway"), Tuck & Patti, and Lee Ritenour as well as writing for film and TV (Disney, Touchstone, Greg Kinnear and A&E).

Guitarist Gary Carpenter's playing and writing talents have been loaned to popular San Francisco Bay Area bands (Montaj, Sista Monica).

He's also scored surfing and sports films.

In addition to Carpenter and Cor, Helios features well noted San Francisco drummer, Chris Miller on this debut CD.

If you are a fusion fan, this is for you.

Heck, if you're a music fan this if for you.

You'll hear hints of Pat Metheny, Steve Ray Vaughn, Larry Carlton, Brian Auger, Bob James, even "Down to the Bone".

Helios offers depth, character, originality, diversity and all of the other things that make listening to music worth while.

If you're looking for something inspirational, (and who isn't these days?), pick up a copy of Helios, you won't be disappointed.

Smoothjazz.com is way into Conquistador, In Da Glow, Conversations, Sonic Blue, & Goin' Deep.

(-Sandy Shore- Program Director- Smoothjazz.com and KTEE.FM Monterey)

Peter Cor and Gary Carpenter, the founding members of Helios, share the same musical roots from their independent early days playing with African musicians and Latin Fusion bands, such as Samba Ngo and Montaj.

Add to that their considerable background for funk and R&B and their impressive talent for composition and you have a new ensemble with a uniquely appealing sound.

Strong on melody, concept and execution, their collaborative effort, (along with Bay Area studio veteran drummer Chris Miller,) speaks to the smooth jazz fan who wants a little more substance to their groove.

Helios' first CD of all original material draws from Latin, Groove Jazz, Funk and World Rhythms influences.

The ensemble is dedicated to entertaining the audience with a level of musical sophistication that provides listening satisfaction and inspiration to dance.

Peter is known for his work with musical artists Tuck and Patti, Lee Ritenour, and Earth, Wind and Fire, for whom he composed the mega-hit ?Getaway?.

His music can be heard in film and TV including, Disney's "The Sixth Man", Touchstone's "The Muppet From Space", Howie Mandel's TV Special, "Later" with Greg Kinnear and A&E's "Live By Request".

Gary Carpenter has played and written for top Bay Area bands including the popular World Beat/Latin Jazz ensemble ?Montaj? and the R&B blues sensation ?Sista Monica?.

His original music has also been put to surf and other sports video, radio and TV spots.