Generally, no one enjoys being wrong, however, in this case I must admit, I‘m actually quite happy about the whole thing. I first reviewed Eyes of Mars almost a year ago and gave it four stars. Nevertheless, after the cd ended up #6 on our list of most played albums for 2005, I started to think that perhaps I might have been a bit conservative in my original appraisal of this excellent release. Now several months later, I came to the realization that I was just plain wrong and have since added Eyes of Mars to The Café Jazz Indispensable Listening List. That is to say, this fabulous recording would make a welcome addition to any smooth jazz library. In short, four stars just aren't enough!!

As great as his previous efforts have been, things have suddenly been kicked up a notch for Patrick Yandall & The Eyes of Mars, his sixth & latest release. Now I don't mind saying this one's a gem!! Yah, I know you've heard it all before when I've talked about Patrick's previous albums. Nevertheless, Yandall's full-bodied tone has never been more appealing nor exuded more warmth than on this release, and as always Patrick's creativity & originality take us places where we've never been before. When I first heard the album, it was as an advance entitled Just Be Thankful. When Patrick scored a record deal, the project was renamed & it also received a brand new cover. Okay, new name & cover but thankfully the same phenomenal music!! One listen was all it took to convince me that the selection of The Eyes of Mars for our musical spotlight was an obvious one. In fact, I needed to look no further than the opening three tracks on the disc to get everything that we required for our feature!! We begin with the title track. As it unfolds we're swept away by Yandall's compelling guitar lines that literally sing their notes. Yet Yandall's finesse propels us ever onward with a seemingly effortless shuffle groove. Exceptional tone, lyrical, easy & melodic, yet with just the right amount of oomph to get you hooked. This is as great a track as you'll hear anywhere !! Kicking-off hour 2 is Just Be Thankful, a reflective piece that features Yandall's guitar & the flugelhorn of Steve Ebner in perfect harmony. Then to complete the feature we finish with a flourish & one of our current favourites, Saturday Love. It's an intoxicating cover of the Cherelle hit from 1986. Fueled by the interplay between Yandall's guitar & the piano of Kevin Flournay, this one quite simply flows along with a hypnotic rhythm & groove that is totally irresistible !! So all you great guitarists on the Smooth Jazz scene, it's time to move over & make room for Patrick Yandall as this man has arrived !!