Patti Austin: The Real Me (1988)

And how! Austin tackles standards such as "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "They Can't Take That Away from Me," and succeeds brilliantly. Her version of Comden, Green, and Bernstein's "I Can Cook, Too" is enough by itself to make this a pick.

Personnel: Patti Austin (vocals, sound effects, background vocals); David Pack (vocals, guitar, congas, percussion, background vocals); Michael McDonald (vocals, piano, background vocals); Howard Hewett, James Ingram, Tata Vega (vocals, background vocals); David Lindley (guitar, slide guitar); Earl Klugh (guitar, classical guitar); Chuck Berghofer, Nathan Kaproff, James Getzoff, Dan Neufeld, Harris Goldman, Alan DeVeritch, Joy Lyle, Franklyn D'Antonio, Arthur Royval, Richard Elegino, Charles Veal, Vicki Sylvester, Barry Gold, Henry Ferber, Don McInnes, Hershel Wise, Sid Sharp, Harry Shlutz, Cynthia Morrow, Ray Kelley, Nils Oliver, Arnold Belnick, Jacqueline Brand, Bonnie Douglas, Arni Egilsson, Stephen Erdody, Gayle Levant, Daniel Rothmuller, Evan Wilson, Michael Markman (strings); Bruce Hornsby (accordion); John Rotella (clarinet); Dan Higgins (woodwinds, saxophone); Ernie Watts (saxophone, tenor saxophone); Greg Huckins, Michael Brecker (saxophone); Jon Faddis (trumpet, flugelhorn); Gary Grant, Jerry Hey (trumpet); Bill Waltrous, Bill Reichenbach Jr. (trombone); Red Callender (tuba); David Benoit (piano, keyboards, synthesizer); Richard Tee (piano, synthesizer); Greg Phillinganes (synthesizer, bass synthesizer); C. Roscoe Beck (upright bass); Burleigh Drummond (drums, snare drum, percussion); George Perilli (drums, percussion); John "J.R." Robinson , Jeff Porcaro, Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (shaker, percussion, sound effects); Luther Vandross, Amy Holland (background vocals)

Tracklist:

01. I Can Cook Too (5:14)
02. Stockholm Sweetnin' (1:37)
03. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (4:15)
04. True Love (3:49)
05. Across The Alley From The Alamo (3:47)
06. How Long Has This Been Going On (4:07)
07. Lazy Afternoon (5:46)
08. Love Letters (3:55)
09. They Can't Take That Away From Me (3:59)
10. Mood Indigo (3:26)
11. Cry Me A River (4:21)
12. Someone Is Standing Outside (3:59)
13. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most (5:08)
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Earl Klugh: Heart String (1979)

Guitarist Earl Klugh was pioneering "smooth jazz" long before the media had ever given it a name. His highly polished fingerpicking and relaxed grooves were the template by which later artists would create the adult contemporary phenomenon that would forever change the climate of contemporary instrumental music.
His tastefully self-produced HEART STRING is a testament to the guitarist both as a musician and a stylist. Sticking mostly to acoustic and nylon-string guitars, Klugh weaves sparkling melodies and slick, yet brief solos over funky mid-tempo grooves flavored with electric keyboards and dramatic strings. Though jazz purists may frown on Klugh's highly commercial stylistic trappings, it's undeniable that he's a consummate arranger, orchestrator and guitarist capable of attractive sonic textures and intricate melodic invention. Highlights include the soothing title track, the flavorful "Spanish Night," and Klugh's short solo ballad "Waiting for Cathy."
Personnel: Earl Klugh (guitar, acoustic guitar, steel guitar); Phil Upchurch (guitar, electric guitar); Greg Phillinganes (electric piano, Clavinet, keyboards); Daryl Dybka (electric piano); Mickie Roaquemore (Clavinet); Hubie Crawford, Charles Meeks (electric bass); Gene Dunlap , Victor Lewis (drums); Ralph MacDonald (percussion).

Tracklist:
1. Heart String 6:23
2. I'll See You Again 5:53
3. Acoustic Lady (Parts I & II) 7:43
4. Spanish Night 3:18
5. Pretty World 4:57   
6. Waiting For Cathy 2:50
7. Rayna 5:15
8. Heart String (Reprise)

Buy at CD Universe

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