Now here is an interesting piece of music that has crossed my path.  I have always enjoyed crockmister’s music in the past, and when he asked me for a review I knew it would be good stuff.  I was not disappointed.  The song is "Jacob's Ladder"(2).

First, let me say that I really like Craig (crockmister) Sofaly’s voice.  It has always reminded me of Cat Stevens in tone, but with a jazz delivery.  I think that’s a great combination.  He also pens a good tune, with interesting changes and twists...jazz structure with pop sensibilities.  Now, with the instrumentation and production of Claudio Allia and Riccardo Samperi from INSOUT, they have launched a juggernaut of talent.  Everything in this song is just right.  The sax work is some of the best I’ve heard, but all the instrumentation is really, really good.  Even the subtle synth rhythm track in the background never feels programmed, just natural and flowing.  The drums, again, feel very natural (I’m pretty sure that they are programmed) and have nice fills inserted here and there. The delicate piano work ties the whole work together nicely.  The lyrics are ethereal and full of imagery.  One of the biggest stars of this piece is the production work, and you may not even notice it, which is ultimately the goal.  The clarity and mix are impeccable.  All of the instruments are eq’d to fill their own space in the song and complement each other throughout.  When you get down to it, this whole tapestry of sound is the support for Craig’s voice and it sounds like he is having a ball working around the music.  I don’t know which was recorded first, but the feel is natural and sounds like they were in the studio together (which I think from reading crockmister’s page, they were not)  playing off of each other.  This is just good music all around.

I can’t find anything I don’t like in this music.  I don’t think I’ve ever done that!  This needs to be on commercial airplay.  Unfortunately, knowing the state of jazz music and radio airplay, that is a dwindling market.  That's a crime, because music like this needs to be heard.  I know the local jazz stations around here would pick it up immediately.  Very smooth and very polished.  Great job crockmister and INSOUT.