An exciting discovery from Phoenix, Arizona musician and songwriter Pete Gitlin who’s gathering kudos and accolades from all over. We heard him on MySpace and insisted that he send over FULL CIRCLE AND THE GREAT TEMPTATION and fell in love with his unique brand of “Alternative Jazz.” The folks over at CDBABY have blessed the release with an Editor’s Pick (no small task if you consider how many new releases they pour over) and radio is just starting to swoon as this well-crafted, exceptionally produced recording lands on music programmers desks. The project features a guest performance from sax man, Jeff Kashiwa as well as support from bassist Mel Brown (Wayman Tisdale, Eric Darius), Michael Broening (George Benson, Al Jareau) and it’s produced by Turning Point’s John Herrera. Plus, we’re really enjoying the two killer vocals: Rachel Eckroth on “Golden Love Light” and Jodi Light on “Sunshine Days.” So what makes this Alt Jazz? There’s a progressive and contemporary side to Pete’s music… it incorporates cool elements of pop, chill, Americana, as well as headier jazz and rich melodies. The title refers to the struggle to do what’s right according to the artist’s liner notes, “and a universe which rewards us when we do.” In considering that, I’d say Pete’s in for some bounty!
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