David Mann - Touch (2001)

Why David Mann is not spoken of in the smooth-jazz world with the same reverence as that afforded Boney James, Richard Elliot, or Kirk Whalum is an injustice. He writes circles around those stars, has developed his own voice on saxophone and is in demand as a producer--his latest effort being an album by bassist Wayman Tisdale. What those guys have, that he doesn't, is the powerful marketing arm of a major record label. Among musicians though, his reputation is sterling, and many better known than him contribute mightily to helping on Touch. Among them is trumpeter Chris Botti, who burns on "Yes We Can" and pours silk on "Tribeca." Guitarists Chieli Minucci and Chuck Loeb also make great contributions, as does legendary keyboardist Bob James, who breathes fire on "Smoke Rings." Mann's music is filled with energy, adventurous harmonies, and melodies that never fall into smooth-jazz clichés. For contemporary jazz lovers looking for a horn out of the ordinary that doesn't go way out, Mann has the Touch. --Mark Ruffin