Dude.

The man just keeps getting cooler and cooler. And how he finds time to write and produce his own stuff when he writes and produces for most of the rest of the world is absolutely beyond me. But here we are with another stellar offering from the maestro of modern groove.

Kicking things off a long cool "7 and 7," Paul and Euge Groove (real name Stephen Eugene Grove and guess who gave him his hip moniker? Yep ... it was PB) define smooth as only two old hipsters can, settling into that perfect pocket and laying it down. "Secret Sauce" showcases Paul's signature style; so recognizable, so sweet and so slick. PB has always loved the blues and that love shows up on "Hey Dude" because, after all, Paul Brown is THE dudiest dude of all dudes. I have no idea how to spell "Ohww!" - you know that screeching little howl we do when we're really getting down? Listen to this bluesy nugget and I guarantee you'll be howling.

Marion Meadows does a groovy guest turn on "Don't Stop", lending his unmistakable soprano sax to the funky flow. And it's so nice to hear Paul's vocals on the title track. After all, he was nominated as International Vocalist at The Canadian Smooth Jazz awards and his gritty timbre suits "Promised Land" to a tee. For something completely different, check out "Elegance." Indeed it is; a smoky, sultry, sensual sonnet, no doubt written for a special someone.

They call him the "Greatest Producer in the History of Smooth Jazz." Just ask Luther Vandross, George Benson, Patti Austin, Boney James, Norman Brown, Peter White and Larry Carlton, to name just to name a few. But the real thing is this: he also produces impeccable music on his own - from his heart, from his hands and from The Funky Joint in his own humble home.

And that is the true Promised Land.

Vickie van Dyke
Midday Host