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Chuck Yamek
Feels So Right
MoPaY Records 34479-4151-2

Guitars: Chuck Yamek; Drums: Craig Yamek; Keyboards: Bob Emmet, Pat Coil; Bass: Woody Lingle, Chris Kent; Saxes: Mitch Reilly, Jeffrey Scott Wills; Perc: Glen Caruba, Denny Jiosa, David Das

I'll tell you what "Feels So Right", it's the tasty guitar runs on the intro to this title track. Don't be surprised at the great guitar playing on this CD. What would you expect from this Gibson guitar clinician? Chuck's guitar has been part of groups and artists such as Tower of Power, Richard Elliot, etc.

The entire 11 tracks were recorded in Nashville. The majority of the music was mixed by another special guitarist, our good friend, Denny Jiosa. Now let's talk about the music. "Groove.com" has, as the name implies, a groove that's perfect for Chuck's guitar and Mitch Reilly's tenor sax, also a nice use of Bob Emmet's synth bass. I like Chuck's Wes Montgomery-ese solo on "Thumbs". I'm assuming this track paid homage to the digit that created Wes Montogomery's trademark sound. The drums were a bit too strong on this track for my taste. A nice groove is found on "L.A. Kinda Thang", along with Mitch Reilly's swinging tenor solo. I especially like the changes on this "Thang". Chuck's lyrical guitar takes us on a journey into the Freddie Hubbard beauty "Little Sunflower". I especially loved the way Chuck's solo weaves its way through the classic. "Seawind" (the wedding song), one of Chuck's compositions was pretty enough to make me want to get married again (to the same woman of course). "A Little Latin Fiesta" is a nice way to close out this very enjoyable smooth (groove) jazz CD. This track and "Groove.com" were a collaboration between Chuck & Mitch Reilly who adds some nice flute to the "Fiesta". This pair thinks musically alike.

Alright folks, get ready for the obvious. Something "Feels So Right" about this CD. Sorry, I just couldn't help myself. If it were a similar titled album by another famous Chuck, I would have been equally as tempted. If you know who the other Chuck is, stop by our store and we'll have a gift for your correct "Chuck" answer. Chuck Yamek's brand new CD can be found at "JAZZ", along with most of the music reviewed here. He is the 110th artist to join the "JAZZ" family and we will be celebrating this terrific addition with a CD release party at "JAZZ", Saturday, April 19th at 1:00pm. (Ed Smith)