Album Notes

Playtime is a smooth jazz project founded by Detroit area session pros Brian Brill and Robert Tye. While working on advertising jobs, they began exchanging ideas to record original compositions on the side. Experimenting with early tracks cut at Brill's own studio, over time the two refined their collaborations into a polished form. The impressive result is "Red Arrow Highway," a ten-track tour de force that simmers with hot themes and fresh improvisation. Brill's piano and keyboard arrangements are tastefully diverse in texture, while Tye's work on electric and acoustic guitars steps out with the guile of a master. Guest soloists featured include Mark Kieme on soprano sax, and Rich Illman on trumpet.

"Red Arrow Highway" was mixed at Hinge Studios in Chicago, by Craig Bauer. Bauer has mixed and recorded many prominent smooth jazz artists, including Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, and Steve Cole.