From Cafe Jazz, Ted Hasiuk April 16th, 2006
Mike Green | 05/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lovin' Life - Gene Cannon: Hailing from Florida's Tampa Bay area, Gene Cannon is firmly entrenched on that city's hot & burgeoning music scene. He appears regularly on his own; he's joined Allon Sams and Les Sabler in concert and in the studio; he's shared the stage with Peter White and Paul Brown; and he also scored a credit on Brown's most recent cd.
Recently, Gene has been working toward establishing himself as a front man and he's made a huge step with the release of Soul Dances, his debut. All I can say is thankfully the wait is over because I've personally been anticipating this album for just over a year, ever since I sat in on one of the recording sessions. Nevertheless, it's been worth the wait!
Cannon demonstrates his experience and maturity as a musician. Melodies are allowed to grow and unfold; while Gene, well let's just say he's full value for each & every note. As we begin to explore this excellent release, we chose Lovin' Life, just a fabulous, fabulous track that opens the disc. Stay tuned for more from Soul Dances and my man Gene; this is one sweet release !! re from Soul Dances and my man Gene; this is one sweet release !!
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Gene Cannon, the Smooth Jazz Lovers Saxophonist
Doc Roberts | 05/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sandy Shore - Smoothjazz.com 5/1/2006
GENE CANNON Soul Dances CanMan Music
Stylish saxophonist Gene Cannon has been waiting his whole life to release this exceptional new project... SOUL DANCES is an inspired collection of mostly originals and and one cover, including an ultra smooth + funky version of "Got To Be Real." Gene began playing sax at the age of nine. He stayed faithful to the instrument through high school and studied music at the University of South Florida in Tampa, which lead to a long stint with the Tampa-based band, Solution. Gene managed the band and played sax, flute and keyboards for 15 years. Along with this new release, his solo career is flourishing with a steady studio work and live performances including many with well-known Smooth Jazzers the likes of George Benson, Brian Culbertson, Richard Elliot, Steve Cole, Euge Groove, Rick Braun and many others. SOUL DANCES was inspired by those closest to the artist, especially his wife who gave Gene the idea of the title by saying that she could see his soul dance whenever he played. The album is Smooth Jazz lovers' Smooth Jazz. 100% solid, in the pocket, groove-filled, smoooooooooth jazz. For those who say, "Where is the Smooth Jazz that I used to love"? This one is for you. Tasty melodies, sophisticated, mellow playing and clever arrangements. We enjoy the entire collection, and in particular, drawn to the cool "St. Augustine," the aforementioned f-f-f-funky, "To Be Real," the chilled, "G-Man," and the slammin' "Baby C." ~SANDY SHORE
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Track Listings (11) - Disc #1