This CD offers a wonderful sampling of sounds and rythms.  Incredible artistry and dynamic production.  A great collection of jazz for the serious audiophile.  Drum solo on Track 6 is a delight (reminds me of Buddy Rich/Gene Krupa styles). Positive vibes throughout.
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It's Not What You Think... IT'S BETTER!!!!! A serious groove... smooth without being pedestrian... Friend is replete with talent. Makes a flawless transition from keyboards to drums. From the mainstream sound of AND THE RAIN FALLS to the Methenyesque BIAHYA, he has the chops! Lovely, knowing work by Matt Warner on sax! Kirk Smith and Bruce Clingan add the perfect ingredient each time to this sassy stew! Dowden is liquid and funky... you try it!!
 
Buy this CD! It may be the only time you don't speak the words..."I liked them all except"... No exceptions! It's Not What You Think is GREAT FUN!!
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Apparently you CAN be ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE!! It's Not What You Think will take you full circle... enjoy the trip! You can drive... get a massage... workout... and relax to this CD. That just doesn't happen! It fits everywhere!!
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This is one slick, cool CD! The Ohio-based drummer has hit a home run with IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK. The first song on the album, “Too Many Cars” was the last tune written for the project. An upbeat, R&B tune with retro hook ala “Green Onions”, with cool traffic sound effects making for a fun listening experience (maybe not while you’re driving). “Smoothie” has the Smooth Jazz signature all over it with super sophisticated sax and trumpet work and is currently a Smoothjazz.com Radio Hot Pick, be sure to listen for it. On Jeff’s website, he says that this song was inspired by Sade, not so much her sultry vocals, but her band's ability to groove. Another stand out tune on this delightful release is “The Copycat”, with its breezy stride and hip trumpet playing. IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK offers a mix of smooth jazz and progressive jazz. In other words, there’s meat on the bones. And where’d he get that album name? Jeff claims that those who know him and his rock background may expect his recorded music to be something other than this… Which is rich, melodic jazz. Well, now that we know Jeff Friend, we think he’s right on the money and we hope to hear many more great works in the future that continue to surprise us!
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