Steve Tavaglione "Silent Singing" (Unitone Recordings 13702-4701-2) There is sometimes a big difference between smooth and mellow. Smooth jazz is often equated with elevator muzak, but mellow-- when done with taste --is something to behold. And while predominantly mellow, "Silent Singing" is nowhere near smooth. "Mirrors" slowly fades in, the cadence very reminiscent of the dark, foreboding music from the film "The Shawshank Redemption." If you've seen the movie, think of the first panoramic-shots flying over the prison-- powerful stuff, and it only gets better from here. Tavaglione is an instrumental marvel, whether alone with his soprano sax on "One" or multi-tasking like a madman, playing soprano and tenor saxes, clarinet and C flute on "Actor's Alley." His articulation is stellar,fondly revering early Michael Brecker, before Brecker got all fusiony and EWI-ed out. If there's an MVP on this album besides Tavaglione, it's pianist John Beasley, whose lush chords make the perfect harmonic bed. The rest of the supporting cast is strong as well. "Threw Me For A Loop" sounds eerily like Miles's "Tutu" recordings, with muted trumpet and synthesizers courtesy of Jeff Beal, who also produced and co-mixed the album. Studio legend Doug Lunn and Dave Carpenter handle the low-end duties, and Peter Maunu, who particularly shines on "Loop," contributes the guitars. The drums and percussion are first class all the way. By listening to Gary Novak's crystalline cymbal work, you'd never guess that he just bashed out a world tour with pop-rocker Alanis Morrisette. And none other than Alex Acuña contributes his legendary percussive voice to tracks like "Eclipsis," "Love," and "She Never Has A Window." Sure, it's relaxing, but there's way too much taste here to call "Silent Singing" smooth. Review by Don Zulaica information: Unitone Recordings, LLC PO Box 260410 Encino, CA 91426-0410 website: http://www.unitonerecordings.com

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