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Music so awesome I got a hold of my local radio station (CD104.3 Denver) and smacked them for not playing anything as awesome as Michael Fair (Back For More). Michael, the intimately seductive sounds of your flugelhorn were so alluring, that even my spouse, who rarely listens to music replayed your cds in succesion, which astonished me! Thank you for your wonderful and brilliant artistry |
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Reviewer: rosa siragusa i was listening to a internet radio station and michael's song midnight groove came on, i immediately went looking for his site and found this one and am going to order this cd as soon as i get done writing this review (i am currently listening to samples of his cd and i can tell you i am in a better mood for having done so!) thank you for your wonderful talent and beautiful music!
Reviewer: Kevin Henessy I really enjoyed your CD and I have always loved your horn playing. Your songs are just as good as any I hear on mainstream Jazz radio stations, right there with the successful contemporary artists like Chris Botti.
Reviewer: KAV I am listening to "How Close Are We" as I write this. It is wonderful!!
Reviewer: Rhonda Driver This CD gives me piece of mind. It is a great one to entertain to as well!
Reviewer: Trish Jackson Your cd is awesome!! My kids even love it!! I'd like to see you perform sometime...Thank you again!!
Reviewer: C. Peduto My husband and I are enjoying your most wonderful CD. We heard your interview on SlimMan's radio show, then ordered from CD baby. We would have never known about your great CD if not for that tremendous play on WLIF that Sunday morning (lucky for us it did not come on until right after we left church). We have both loved trumpet and flugelhorn for many years, and we love the smooth jazz genre. Our ears are not that discerning to tell the difference on the tracks, but my guess is that this CD is mostly flugelhorn, with trumpet at least on the last track? Good luck with the music!
Reviewer: Calvin Walker- Jazz Artist If I were in the promotion business I would book you for sure. As a serious Jazz man myself (Drums, Keys) I know music! You are the baddest dude I have heard in a long time. Fresh, solid, deeply mellow and seriously funky with jams like "How close Are We". I have told my brother, friends, everybody, about your music, and man I tell you, you are kicking! I have never heard of you, but I am glad I do now. YOU ARE A GREAT HORN MAN!!! I love Chris Botti as well, but this is a different flavor.
Reviewer: Tim Hillhouse-songwriter/composer Michael's jazz is very melodic, very harmonic, and you come away with melodies that lodge in your memory and repeat themselves later on.
Reviewer: Hans- Bernd Hülsmann (HBH) - Webmaster of Smooth-jazz.de (click for website) The trumpet is certainly a popular instrument in smooth jazz. Everybody knows trumpet player like Herb Alpert, Chris Botti or Rick Braun. Michael Fair is a new name, a musician who deserves your attention. His new album "How Close Are We?" (2003) is his second solo album after "Love Me Like That", which was released in 2002. Both album are based on a collaboration between Michael Fair and Brandon Barnes. Brandon Barnes is a music genius like Brian Culbertson. While Michael is concentrating on trumpet and flugelhorn, Brandon Barnes is playing keyboards, guitar and programming. Brandon Barnes is a multi Grammy nominated writer. He has co-written some of Brian McKnight's biggest hits including The Way Love Goes, Goodbye My Love, One Last Cry, Never Felt This Way, Last Dance, 6 8 12, What's It Gonna Be, and Still just to name a few. Brandon also wrote songs for Kim Waters, Kirk Whalum, Art Porter, Alicia Keys, Take 6 and a lot prolific artists more. Now he has co-written 11 songs of the new album too. Herb Alpert has influenced Michael Fair's music. He began playing the songs that he heard his parents listening to by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. There is no great difference to this master of trumpet. Nevertheless Michael Fair prefers the silky side of smooth jazz. Michael Fair likes to play his trumpet with some reverb, while the other instruments are mainly staying in the foreground. With this acoustical effect both players are creating a stage in the soundscape with Michael's trumpet in the center. You will never mistake that this is a trumpet album. It's absolutely the lead instrument on this album. How Close Are We? is a groovy piece with programmed rhythm and keyboard layers like a carpet of synth strings. Michael's playing is easy and sovereign. The title song introducing in this album is a veritable enjoyment. Running Scared is very rhythm orientated. The programmed rhythm always stay on the same level while Michael is performing variations of the song motif. Brandon Barnes also adds some keyboard sounds and a synth bass. One Last Cry was written by Brandon Barnes, Melanie Barnes and Brian McKnight. This song is getting a classic. It was already covered by Kim Waters ("It's Time For Love"), Michael White ("Side By Side") or Marty Q ("Sentimental Christmas"). Michael Fair's version has its own character. New Shooz New Attitude has some freaky contemporary elements like scratching as a rhythm component. Michael's approach to Herb Alpert's modern albums like "Colors" is phenomenal. I also like Brandon Barnes' Hammond B3 throw-in. Well, Brazilian Sunrise has a certain retro-appeal. Some Cha-Cha rhythms and acoustic guitar slicks are a wonderful frame. The syncopated rhythm breaks are salt and pepper right in time. The piano solo, is awesome which could really be longer. Four Chord Pileup has a disco rhythm which is standing in contrast to Michael Fair's sustained trumpet sound. Looks like both artists have used some over-dubbing features. The title Midnight Groove is typical for Smooth Jazz and the music behind this title too. The attributes slow, dreamy and snuggly caressing may characterize the atmosphere. Sunday Afternoon Drive provokes the association of a coastal drive near Santa Barbara, the sunny California beach. The slow A Fool Again shows up Michael Fair's love to bar music. Jazz brushes and some jazzy guitar chords intensify this impression. Beach Front Hideaway is finally my break through. Catchy melody and performance are absolutely convincing. East Or West? is another hooky song, which stays in mind. The contemplative Nylon Samba is a worthy closing of this matured project. Fans of Smooth Jazz especially of trumpet music will like this album with a silky touch.
Reviewer: hbh (click for website) The trumpet is certainly a popular instrument in smooth jazz. Everybody knows trumpet player like Herb Alpert, Chris Botti or Rick Braun. Michael Fair is a new name, a musician who deserves your attention. Read further at http://www.smooth-jazz.de/starportrait/Fair/Howclosearewe.htm
Reviewer: G. Lynn Davis You don't listen to this CD. You wear it. You put it on like your favorite sweater on a cold day. It surrounds your life and lifts your spirits. Like your favorite scent, you catch a whiff of it and lock in. This ain't music, its a sensual experience and your body is going to thank you. Michael is the, "go to guy" when I want some music to get the blood pumping for love and loving, sweet and right. Its not mellow, its not vintage wine, you can't find it and describe it with words. You and your love have to experience it; and once you do, hey, well, you'll get online and write a review like this one.
Reviewer: "Upper Room with Joe Kelley" radio show (click for website) We love Michael Fair's new CD from top to bottom. Solid grooves and tender ballads. The musicianship and songwriting is always at the forefront. Thanks to add so much quality music to our radio show.
Reviewer: Chuck Mann (click for website) Duke Ellington said "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing." This smooth jazz CD does swing. Here is the hook-Michael Fair, on trumpet and flugelhorn, uses melody and improvisation to bring out the chord changes of each song. It's a brilliant presentation on the part of Michael Fair and co-writer Brandon Barnes. Listening to this CD from the chord progression viewpoint opens this recording up to a much broader audience. Michael is brilliant at using the single line notes to highlight the chords that make up each song. It's as if a horn section of a big band is playing in unison to give each song the body of a big band arrangement. This CD moves beyond traditional smooth jazz. You can not only just listen, but you may just want to snap your fingers or tap your feet. "Running Scared" is just one good example. "New Shooz New Attitude" is a a good example of the arranging skills and programming prowess of Brandon Barnes to make a tune swing. One of my favorite creative rhythm arrangements is "East or West?" that has an underlying funky beat that is overlayed with a reggae beat on the verse. "One Last Cry"(written by Brandon Barnes, Melanie Barnes, and Brian McKnight)is tastefully done by starting out with trumpet and guitar. In summary, this is smooth jazz presentation that is creative, very well programmed and arranged, and, well, it swings.
Reviewer: Ron Miller -Nashville Newsletter (click for website) Michael Fair - "HOW CLOSE ARE WE?" -CD REVIEW Ron Miller jazzreview.com (staff) Like a breath of fresh cool air in a late Autumn morning, Michael Fair’s new CD displays how his Flugelhorn can equally heat up some evening romantic passion with his velvety tones and percolating grooves. "How Close Are WE?" suggests a few anecdotes for the romantic music lover in the smooth jazz vein. The 12 selections delve into light and hard funk, Samba ,Bossa Nova and various ballad modes. This disk isn’t stuck in just one groove! The composers of the instrumentals are Michael Fair and his multi-talented partner, Brandon Barnes. Barnes shows his flair for sharing guitar, keyboard, songwriting and programming duties all done with the live band act in mind. Not an easy task but one performed very well here. However, one constant is ever-present, Fair’s delicious tone and velvety tinged melodies. Add some thematic backdrops and percolating bass and percussion grooves and what you have is a relaxing and reflective body of composition and performance. Fair’s music is primarily programmatic, graphically painting a sound texture throughout his sound canvas. ‘Midnight Groove’ has a funky floating feel with and urban undercurrent. The title cut, ‘How Close Are We?’ suggest a question answer interplay. ‘Running Scared’, has a post Miami Vice feel and funky electronic feel. My vote for the heartfelt ballad of the collection would have to be the evocative duet between classical guitar and flugelhorn on ‘One Last Cry.’ Penned by band mate Brandon Barnes, Cry develops with a catchy melody and grows with strings with a surprise Picardy third ending (minor tonality ending major),adding lift to the moody piece. ‘Brazilian Sunrise,’ hints at how hard the live band will groove on this upbeat number. Michael Fair ‘s latest offering, ‘How Close Are We?,’ shows us how he’s grown as a composer and arranger, while keeping his smooth jazz audience in mind. Hailing from the great musical think tank of JAZZVILLE aka -Nashville, Tennessee, we can look forward to hearing more from Fair’s beautifully textured horn as well as some seductive melodies in the near future. I can’t wait to see and hear this act with full band live!
Reviewer: Carol Batey, Freelance Journalist- www.hotmusicnews.us,Urban Gro (click for website) Michael Fair, a brilliant composer, producer and musician lists Herb Alpert as one of his most prominent influences in his musical journey. As a musical journalist in Nashville, I see and hear many bands around the "Music City" not all have the stage presence and showmanship as the Michael Fair Quartet. Michael is a native Nashvillian whose music along with his co-writer Brandon Barnes takes you on a higher level. That level is not just in local areas their music is universal. Longfellow has stated that,"Music is a universal language." Track 5 "Brazilian Sunrise" with Michael blowing his smooth licks on his flugelhorn and the Latin beat of Brandon's keys put you on the Island with a tropical feel. Do you know how to do the Cha Cha? If so then you will love the rhythmic sounds of the "Nylon Samba" as the you hear the ocean breezes. Michael Fair and his Quartet are very versatile on stage. They have been showcased by the 88.1 WFSK on air personalities at CAFE 123 several times to standing room only. The audience was taken by surprise that Michael has magic soulful vocals! Maybe he will add them on his next CD. Michael charms the listeners with his calmness, skillfulness and grace as he plays to soothe their listening ears. I guess you know by now I am in love with Michael Fair's music. He has the ability to keep the audience's attention he also knows how to communicate to the listeners in many ways! See it for yourself. Invite his music into your home, heart, soul and mind. Once you do it will never leave your soul and spirit, the spirit of his music will be fused into your surroundings!
Reviewer: Kathy Nelson Michael, I've enjoyed your music at Jazz on the Lawn 2004, Belle Meade mansion in Nashville. Love Me Like That allows me to relive that evening. Keep on keepin' on 'cuz you do it so (S)well!!
Reviewer: Pat McCoy-Tennessee Jazz & Blues Society, Jazz & Blues News (click for website) Upon first hearing Michael Fair play that squishy-looking thing that he calls a flugelhorn, you never want him to take a breath. Upon first listening to Love Me Like That, you don't want it to end. The entire CD is Michael's baby, with the exception of the getway cut, a tribute to Burt Bacharach and Hal David, " This Guy's In Love." The other ten offerings are homemade Michael Fair and friend/producer/co writer Brandon Barnes. Michael's playing is sharp, his definitions are crisp, all to the point of wondering if he ever makes a mistake...and if so, who would realize it? Favorite cuts? Many and varied, and I must admit tied to his clever song titles. I keep returning to the lead cut" Never Love Again" for it seems to holler, "hey, grab a seat and relax, let's spend the next hour together. " Another is "Red Pump Strut" ( don't you love the title?)... but my top choice is the nasty low-down "Rhapsody in Funk Minor" which could be a great soundtrack for a bad seventies detective series. Of course the last cut would make the aforementioned Bacharach & David proud, and at 4:48 it is five minutes of walking down memory lane. Nashville is rearing up some fine young musicians, and in the New World Who's Who Music City Yearbook, under "F", should be a picture of Michael Fair.
Reviewer: Scott from Richland, TX Michael, you make beautiful music!
Reviewer: S. Parker I have to forcibly remove people from my office who want to sit around and listen to your CD. As far as jazz music, I am very critical in my taste, but your CD has blown me away!
Reviewer: Kenny Springs I absolutely enjoy listening to both of Mr. Fair's cd's. The passion in the music is unbeatable. It automatically sets an inviting atmosphere. I'm a fan for life.
Reviewer: Al Graves- Jazz-ville webmaster (click for website) Michael's CD Love Me Like That, is a collection of smooth show-stoppers. This CD really accentuates the captivating talent of Michael Fair. It offers a great selection of songs, as well as titles. Never Love Again is very smooth groove full of relaxation and tranquility. Recommended for any one that needs to lower their stress level. Lucy also has a laid back vibe that sorta takes your mind to places that help you escape reality, if only for a few moments. Can't Let Go, written by Brandon Barnes & Brian McKnight, is full of passion and great notes from Michael on trumpet. Flap Cake is a little more up tempo and playful. This tune is reminiscent of a Herb Alpert cut with it's slight hint of latin flava. Southern Samba, as the name implies is a nice song that sways with the beat of a cool dreamy samba. Red Pump Strut (I told you the titles were catchy) it immediately brings to mind the image of classy lady strolling the boulevard in eye catching red shoes. Nice cut. The Way Love Goes is a nice groove that's layered with silky background vocals. Love Me Like That is the title cut and right-fully so. This cut tends to define the style and grace of Michael Fair. The combined sound of trumpet and guitar makes for a pleasant soothing sound. Rhapsody in Funk Minor gives us another side of Michael, the funky side. The riff on keyboard brings to mind a funky Stevie Wonder 70's groove. The slurs and muted sound on trumpet makes it sho' nuff funky! Never Felt This Way / Stay The Night is a romantic, sensual tune that's perfect for an intimate dinner or just some quality time with a special someone. This Guy's In Love could serve as a proclamation for many of us. It says it in just the way a woman likes to here it...tenderly and boldly.
Reviewer: Ron Wynn- rwynn@nashvillecitypaper.com (click for website) The groove is the thing for flugelhorn and trumpet player Michael Fair. Fair's lush, warm sound is propelled by energetic textures and arrangements on his most recent release "Love Me Like That". Fair has teamed with keyboardist and programmer Brandon Barnes on "Love Me Like That" which features 7 originals co-written by Fair and Barnes, two covers of songs Barnes initially co-wrote with R&B superstar Brian McKnight,"Can't Let Go" and "Never Felt This Way/Stay the Night" and a cover of " This Guy's in Love" by Burt Bacharach. Unlike some smooth jazz players who aren't enamored with the genre but utilize it for commercial reasons, Fair truly enjoys playing music in this idiom and it shows.
Reviewer: Teem Using a colorful and diverse musical palette, Michael Fair and Brandon Barnes have crafted for your listening pleasure a smorgasbord of original tunes. They have touched the emotional buttons from love lost to love found, from party fever to sultry heat, from toe-tapping good times to soulful reflections of better times. They even pay homage to those who came before by doing a cover song. This is a must have CD. It needs to be in your collection...NOW! It is in mine!
Reviewer: Carol Batey, freelance journalist for www.hotmusicnew.us,Urban G As a freelance music journalist in Nashville I hear music of every genre. I fell in love with the music of Michael Fair. The sounds from his Flugehorn soothes whether he is playing lead or back-up. Michael is a talented and professional musician who is finally getting the attention he deserves.Fair has backed many on stage such as Michael McDonald, Amy Grant and local artist, Scat Springs. His CD "Love Me Like That" takes over my soul and mind. It renews my spirit, rejuvenates my body to press on and revives my troubled mind. I am also a massage therapist for the stars in Nashville and I play this CD and for all who need their senses to be awakened. My favorite "Never Love Again" Fair co-wrote with Brandon Barnes who co-wrote with Brian McKnight. That tune opens your soul to listen to the rest. "Can't Let Go", another smooth Jazz tune penned by the two is the most relaxing jazz song I've heard in a long time. I listened to this song over and over in my home when my mind is troubled. The first time I heard it I cried. "Can't Let Go", the title is so true for many of us that have been in love or thought we have been. I could feel the writers pain and sorrows. Yet I could feel them working throughout the process of letting go and moving on. The track that played the most on 88.1 FM Nashville, is "Red Pump Strut." MSTU JAZZ station plays "Southern Samba" with a Latin beat for those who like Latin Jazz. Listen to this CD and you too will fall in love with the Flugehorn and music played by Michael Fair. His next CD (summer 2003), soon to be released has a funky smooth jazz style it makes you ready to dance.
Reviewer: Ron Wynn-Nashville City Paper (click for website) Fair's intimate, expertly articulated solos excel in both up-tempo and ballad situations, and he's penned songs over the years that range from driving, funky settings to lush and sentimental exposition.
Reviewer: Tom Stuckert Just discovered your music and love it!!!!!!
Reviewer: Sandra Hill I always enjoy hearing Michael's music!
Reviewer: Trumpeter and flugelhorn player Fair deftly navigates the realm of easy listening with a muted ballad style and, at times a light Latin undercurrent.
Reviewer: Jeff Eaton, CD Baby Artist My cd is listed on cd baby and they tagged a link to you saying something like "if you like this cd, you might like this also" so I went to your cd and checked it out. very very nice stuff. I am purchasing your cd right now, cuz I really enjoy it... I especially was impressed with your beautiful, warm tone. I always loved the Brian McKnight tune "one last cry" never thought of it as an instrumental, but I really dig it! Jeff Eaton, fellow trumpet player
Reviewer: Jerry Wooten I guess if you had a fan club, I'd be your biggest follower. Thanks for your wonderful music and Inspiration.
Reviewer: Elbert Blackmon A friend is a big fan and suggested I check it out. I did and I liked him. Sound is real smooth.
Reviewer: Pound for pound I think Michael has soul in his playing. His CDs offer something I can remember later. Something I can hum in the car on the way to the Home Depot. When Michael plays I feel his soul in every note. While driving home from Michael's live performances, I can ACTUALLY hum his melodies! They are memorable, they stick with me, they come back to my mind over and over AND they touch my heart. They even have inspired me to write lyrics!
Reviewer: I bought 2 of your CDs; love both of them and have played them both nonstop at home and in the car. Thanks for making such beautiful music. I will definitely tell all my friends here and out of town.
Reviewer: Love Me Like That is sweet, man; smooth but I can groove to it too. Talk about setting the mood for some grown folks fun at the crib!
Reviewer: Sonia Boyapati
Reviewer: Kelly Abbey
Reviewer: Dr. Larry D. Manning, Sr. This is one of the best smooth jazz CD's that I have ever heard. |
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