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Artist: The Flying Club
Album: "Far And Away"
CD Review: Genre: Easy Listening
Sounds Like: Sergio Mendes/Sade/Tania Maria
Technical Grade: 10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10
Commercial Value: 9
Overall Talent Level: 10
Songwriting Skills: 9
Performance Skill: 10
Best Songs: Far And Away, Temporarily, Friends Of Mine, Another Day
Weakness: ?
CD Review: Just days before receiving this project from Austin, Texas via Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I wondered to myself, "What happened to all of the easy listening projects I used to get?" Whether I willed this project to myelf or if it was serendipity, doesn't matter. What does matter is that I got it and it's a quality project that was worth the wait.

Founded by drummer/composer Bruce Popky, The Flying Club project features Brazilian influenced compositions that will both relax and invigorate your soul. Lead vocalist Amanda Walker's soothing voice enhances the excellent instrumentation; creating a perfect union of musicianship and emotional delivery, as evidenced on the most commercial songs: the haunting and seductive, "Temporarily," and the beautifully performed title track, "Far And Away."

Unlike so many easy listening projects that tend to take a detour to keep you awake, Bruce Popky, Luiz Coutinho, Amanda Walker, and producer Mark Hallman stay on course; never disrupting the tranquil ride that it was intended to be, by skillfully keeping you stimulated with songs such as the lightly percussive "Birds," and the radio-friendly, more AC conventional, "Friends Of Mine."

This is an easy listening lover's dream come true and Far And Away the best project that I've reviewed in this genre all year.

Advice: A wealth of licensing potential here. These songs are begging for film placement.

Official Website: www.flyingclubmusic.com

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