BasslineSpin.com
Kim Waters featuring Kenny Lattimore – The Grove @ the Raddison
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Waters is pegged into the
"smooth jazz" category. That label "smooth jazz" is bad for
business in my opinion (but that's another story). I went in un-hip to Waters'
abilities or his general sound. The show was actually sponsored by the local
"smooth jazz" station. ...To me - smooth jazz is poop. I think of a
drum machine, and an alto sax. It is never loud enough - never funky enough.
I hit the show in support of
my buddy Bobby Gonzalez - playing the guitar in Water's & Lattimore's band. What I was surprised to learn was that
Waters gets down with a LIVE drummer - in this case Mike White (of Maze fame).
With is brother on bass, a keyboard
player (from ATL - didn't catch his name), Bobby G., and White - Kim Waters
played his heart out on a variety of saxophones.
Lattimore joined the band mid-show and did several songs from
his Timeless CD. Dude can really sing! His enthusiasm and soulful showmanship
worked with the audience and despite singing many slow jam-ish
tunes - he managed to keep it generally upbeat.
The highlight of the night
for me was Lattimore's stirring version of
"Starship" (Norman Conners).
Overall - I really liked
most of Lattimore's set and while Waters was cool -
the saxophone as the main ingredient just isn't my thing. But the weather was
nice, people watching was on point, and I most
importantly - I got my backside out of the house on a Saturday night! ...Life
is alright - maybe even cool.