The Jazzmasters VII by Paul Hardcastle (2014-08-03)

Driving home from the Northeast recently making our way through the beautiful mountains of PA, W. VA, and VA, this CD was on quite a bit. I would keep switching back and forth to the track "Breathe" as it seemed just the right one to listen to while marveling at the just-beginning-to-change leaves of those majestic mountains. When I listened to the track "Pulse of the Universe" I marveled at how those mountains were formed - natural elevations of the earth's surface. So, when I listen to this CD I can't help but think of that drive back to the South from my home state in the Northeast with Paul Hardcastle on board. His music set the mood - relaxing and soothing. Genius.

Paul Hardcastle back for Number VII. While not complex music by any means this definitely is relaxing on a drive home thru bumper to bumper traffic. Also, nice ambient music at home during a dinner party or just chilling on the couch with your favorite drink and something to read. I can usually tell when one of his tunes comes on the radio in the first few notes. His sound is that distinct to me. I guess that is why so many like his music, you know what to expect from Paul. He has done some interesting covers lately and has explored longer song structure on a few CD's because fans have requested it. No huge risks, just doing what he does best.

Like most cd's, it has a couple songs I don't care for. Unfortunately "Unlimited Love" is one of them and you get that song not once, but TWICE on this CD (song #1 and #8). Not sure why, since it seems like a mediocre song at best and if I were rating the song by itself I'd probably give it 1 or 2 stars. Having said that. there are some other really GREAT songs on this CD: 5 stars for "Breathe" - which is a very sexy song, and "Starlight Express", a very jazzy song with some great piano riffs. 4 stars for Domino Effect, Pulse of the Universe, Free to Fly, and Echoes of Eternity.

Another great smooth jazz album from Paul Hardcastle. The Acid Jazz style of Dance of the Wind really blows me away (NPI - no pun intended). He brings back the cornet/trumpet in several pieces, which adds more richness and depth to these compositions.Although Hardcastle is rooted in the Disco era and the deep bass throbbing rhythm characteristic of the genre, the sensual Smooth Jazz character of the Jazzmasters series demonstrates his creative genius by successfully morphing the two styles into one.

Paul puts the smooth in smooth jazz. This cd is awesome. I love the entire cd.Grab a glass of wine and my favorite catalog and I'm good, I recommend thiscd if you like smooth jazz, never mind what instruments are being played. I justwas something smooth and easy on the ears. I going to pick Soft Rain as myfavorite,but all the songs are good.

Redemption has such a sound. I'm a huge Jazzmasters fan. It all started with Lost Summer. The last Paul Hardcastle release I got was kind of disappointing with Urban Beat and not so hot vocals. There is only 1 Helen Rogers {voice of a angel}. Now comes Jazzmasters 7 with it disco mood instrumentals in a word, sultry. Yeah Jazzmasters! thats' what I'm talkin' about. I love it...

Once again Paul Hardcastle has gone all out with this CD. He is truly a talented jazz artist and producer and with each of his CDs he raises the bar of excellence once again. Smooth mellow jazz that is guaranteed to please anyone who is into jazz. It has quickly become such a favorite and a must-have fr my collection that I also purchased a copy for a friend.

Paul Hardcastle Is simply The Best!, From the 80's the present, I have all his LP'S & CD's, This Man doesn't seem to take vacation, very gifted and talented man, I simply love all his music, Since R&B/Funk is no longer around he has taken over. "Don't Stop Paul" "Keep On Groovin' ". Joseph Peña Chula Vista, CA USA

Yet another masterpiece from the jazz/funk/soul/mixer/producer meister, whatever genre he is in he does it briliantly. Other than ''19'' I was pretty much unaware of Paul till I heard ''Shine'' on JAZZ FM Manchester , and I have been hooked eversince .This is purely an instrumental album and all the better for it as some earlier albums contain some slightly cheesy smooth jazz songs [''Smooth jazz is bompin '' for example] .and is in part a tribute to one of Pauls heroes , Barry White .As he aludes to in his sleave notes , I know Paul is a huge Pink Floyd fan and every album has some ''echoes'' so to speak , if you are a Floyd fan you'll hear them . I feel this a slightly smoother album than his last one with some sumptiously smooth chill out tracks and not so much funk as in some earlier albums ,all brilliantly produced and mixed as always.Paul is in top form at the moment ,I think his last albums have been his best ever,so if you are need of some serious ''chilling'' turn the volume to 11 let Paul transport you to a different time and place

A good album. Genuine diamond in the realm smooth.

Another c d for my collection.

A bit disappointed to hear similar tunes to the late Barry White style of music.

:)