For a label purporting to be a contemporary jazz outfit, it's curious that 's first two releases were pop/vocal albums (the first was 's fine ). Perhaps keyboardist/arranger , who can sing but not exceptionally well (a la ), should've focused on instrumentals since the perky and the pretty, new age closing piece are the most likable tunes here. As a pop tunesmith, is on the average side, much more provocative lyrically than memorable musically, and his voice is no match for his keyboard expertise. Still, the album does have its moments. is a potential soft rock hit and shows some imagination. also has some good backing players on hand, most notably , , and onetime guitarist . , who has played with and arranged for and , seems to fancy himself a pop artist, but this platter makes it clear that he should be satisfied being a great musician. ~ Jonathan Widran