In His Hands and into your collection...
DerickWJazz | USA by way of Australia | 05/08/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Fortunately for us guitarist Bill Shafton didn't listen to his mother and become a doctor. But her loss is our gain as his album In My Hands proves beyond a doubt. The title track, "In My Hands", begins quietly, steadily building into an intricate composition of guitar, keyboard and percussion. Near the end of the song Bill seems to be literally picking the tunes right off of the guitar strings with a mastery worthy of those who've been in and around the business much longer than he. "No Regrets" will leave you feeling just that. Absolutely no regrets about adding this album to your collection. With the reggae-tinged opening, this song is an homage to the music that pulled him into this career path. Every musician has a beginning and Bill Shafton knows excatly when that moment was and immortalizes it here. Bill took the path offered to him and, apparently, never looked back.I don't know if the song, "First Try" was actually just that, but it's a very upbeat, rhythmically moving tune that does a great job of showcasing Bill's great chops. The melody he weaves here merges perfectly with the accompanying instrumentation to combine as a musical whole. A true "first try" or not, if he continues in this vein Bill Shafton will be bringing us more and more great, enjoyable music. And I can hardly find fault in an artist who's willing to try to cover one of my favorite "obscure" Beatles songs, "Norwegian Wood." This choice of covers tells me that Bill Shafton is willing to step out of the box and try something a little different with this very standard part of an album release.With another nod to his musical roots Bill again incorporates the steel drum into the song "Santa Barbara Sun" making me long for the time that I spent in Jamaica a few years ago. The sensation of sun, beach and your basic, fun party time is musically recreated here. Bring along your blanket and sunscreen and enjoy the rest of this stunning album. It is definitely worth a place in any Smooth Jazz lovers collection. - Derick Winterberg - The Smooth Jazz Site"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1