MOTIVATION

TAKE IT TO THE SKY

Independent Label

This 21-piece ensemble (Motivation) opens with a George Duke tune called “T-Jam.”  Under the direction of producer, Michael Simard, these musicians celebrate and reimagine classic tunes by Duke, by Earth Wind and Fire, The Crusaders and many more.  With the first tune, the “Motivation” group sets the tone for this album.  Their music is a blend of jazz, funk and soul. On the Duke tune, Brad Turner on piano puts the “J” into   jazz with his exciting improvisational piano solo.  It’s so good, that towards the end of the production, the ensemble just lets him run free, adlibbing with zest and freedom, just the way George Duke would have done it.

The recording took place in Vancouver, Canada over a span of four days.  Guided by arranger and producer, Bill Runge and contractor, John Korsrud, this ensemble is made up of some of Canada’s finest jazz musicians.  They replace synthesizers with a real string section and added a full horn section to bring punch and power to some of these familiar tunes.

For Michael Simard, this project was more than just another recording.  It was a celebration of achievement, collaboration and inventiveness that propels the power of music forward. “Take It to the Sky” is a love letter to the jazz funk greats.  Their second tune is “Prelude.”  This time Bruno Hubert mans the piano, playing a warm rubato introduction.  After a while, he is joined by a string section made up of Cameron Wilson and Mark Ferris on violin, Parmela Attariwala on viola and Finn Manniche on cello. This composition by William Runge leans towards Chamber music in a lovely way.

Then comes the title tune, featuring lead vocalist Rebecca Shoichet, reimagining the Earth Wind and Fire tune with drummer Randall Stoll laying down a strong funk beat, with background vocals provided by Jennifer Scott and Tom Arntzen. There is a wonderful guitar solo by Tristan Paxton that dances over the rhythm section groove.

André Lachance opens an Eumir Deodato song on bass, setting the tempo and groove for “Skyscrapers.” He’s soon joined by a rhythm section that is on fire.  Raphael Geronimo’s percussion propels the tune forward and the horns punch and accentuate the funk. Bruno Hubert gets up from the piano and plays clavinet on this arrangement. Michael Kalanj adds his Hammond B-3 organ licks to the mix, like hot pepper in the stew.  They follow this with what we used to call “Doo-Wap.” It’s a Soul ballad with those 1950 background vocals that make me want to hold someone close and lay my head on their shoulder.

“Free As the Wind” is a Joe Sample composition that spotlights the percussion mastery of Geronimo, playing for the first several bars solo rhythm. When the band joins him, they bring a smooth jazz feel to the project with an outstanding guitar solo by Paxton and a full horn section, enhanced further by the strings.  Mike Allen solos on his tenor saxophone, followed by Brad Turner exploring his piano keys.

They close with a tune from the “Shaft in Africa” soundtrack.  I enjoyed every selection.  I think you will too.

THE MOTIVATION BAND: Brad Turner, piano/Fender Rhodes; Bruno Hubert, piano/clavinet/  Fender Rhodes; Michael Kalanj, Hammond B Organ; Russ Klyne & Tristan Paxton, guitar; André Lachance, bass; Randall Stoll, drums; Raphael Geronimo, percussion; Rebecca Shoichet & Marcus Mosely, lead vocals; Derry Byrne & John Korsrud, trumpet; Bill Runge, alto saxophone; Mike Allen, tenor saxophone; Jim Hopson, trombone; VIOLINS: Cameron Wilson, Mark Ferris & Parmela Attariwala; VIOLA; CELLO: Finn Manniche; BACKGROUND VOCALS: Jennifer Scott & Tom Arntzen;

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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