LES SABLER - TEN

If the new milestone album, Ten, from smooth guitarist, Les Sabler, seems to ring with familiarity, there's a very simplistic reason for that. Even before the album's October release date, Sabler was flying high with four pre-released singles including “Hot Chicken”, a nod to one of Nashville's famous restaurant dishes (and Sabler's current home). That hit single was followed by “Patches’ Groove”, a tribute to New Orleans jazz trumpet master, Michael 'Patches' Stewart, which last year became Sabler's 1st ever Billboard #1 hit and was the #2 Smooth Jazz song of the year. But Sabler didn't pump the brakes and rest on that success, unleashing subsequent singles, “Drive”,  “Cafe On The Square” and his latest, “Boomerang”, now making its way up the charts, including the Wave Top 10.

 

For those keeping count, that's half an album ahead of Sabler's official release of his commemorative tenth album in a career spanning four decades. And there's more to come.. lots more to come.

 

Working with some of the most reputable and immense  talent in the smooth music industry, including Grammy winners and Billboard hit makers, the Montreal-born guitarist serves up a masterfully polished and arranged album of super melodies and cool beats. Once you get reacquainted with the songs you've come to know and love, you'll easily dive right into the remaining offerings, including “Once In A Lifetime”. Upbeat and refreshing with addictive hooks, it's one of several tracks produced by Grammy winner, Paul Brown, at  Brown's own The Funky Joint studio. “Corner Pocket” continues in a similar style of up-tempo sophistication and slick horn backing. “Fly Away” is yet another bouncy percussive tune to get one in a hand-clapping mood, yet again rich in horn backing. As the title would imply, “Sunset Comfort” is gentle and dreamy and easily has one envisioning a striking palette of colours while looking westward on a clear summer night. 

Just as Sabler should be commended on the release of his tenth project since 1990 and his slow but steady rise among the notable names and talents of contemporary jazz, he should also be recognized for assembling an insanely talented cast of supporting musicians. Certainly Paul Brown for his writing, production and mixing expertise, but names like Andrew Neu, Greg Manning, Greg Vail, Nelson Braxton (one half of the Braxton Brothers), Lenny Castro and Patches Stewart must be highlighted from the seemingly endless list who round out the talent on Ten.

 

If you asked me to rate this album from 1-10 ... I think you'd easily guess my answer.

 

Reviewed By Stu Berketo

Wave Music Director/On-Air Host