Regular Columnists

Artist: Bob Shimizu and Signal Strength
Album: Cuchillero
Website: http://www.signalstrengthband.com
Genre: Jazz
Sounds Like: Earl Klugh
Technical Grade: 9/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 8/10
Overall Talent Level: 7/10
Songwriting Skills: 7/10
Performance Skill: 7/10
Best Songs: Cuchillero, Where Do We Go When We Die?, Samba Juana Anna
CD Review: Bob Shimizu and Signal Strength has made an appealing jazz album that has a lot to recommend it- fine playing, great production, sensitive solos. And the players seem to be having fun playing together. Larry Kantor is a stand-out on drums, particularly on the title cut.  Loop 101 and Suite Street for David lean toward the mid-70s, easy listening, Earl Klugh type vibe. The pretty ballad 'Where Do We Go When We Die?' shares some chords and seems to be a bit of a tribute to the Legrand/Bergman classic 'What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life?', tho I think it's held back a bit by the name- not the sort of thing you tend to shout out in a crowded bar. Samba Juana Anna let's the band flex it's muscles a bit, as does Pedro Likes Your Girlfriend.

A stand-out effort by a group of pros. May not be ideal for a prom, but put it on when you've got something to get done. It'll focus the mind wonderfully.