CoolHeat
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CoolHeat

Band Jazz Adult Contemporary

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"Certified Cool"

Certified Cool" is a collection of 14 original songs written by Michael Gregory, a long time Songsalive! member and coordinator for our Grass Valley chapter. This is a refreshing change of pace that allows the listener to kick back, pour a glass of wine and enjoy these beautiful tapestries of jazz flavored tunes. Songs are performed by "real live musicians" with no "samplings, loopings or synthetic sounds" to make this a sweet album to listen to. With the silky vocals of Aimee Wild, ("Body Heat", "Love Is"), the listener grooves on a "smooth jazz ride" with sax, bass, drums and guitar adding a texture to the arrangements. "Summer Samba" is perfect for romantic urges while "Exotique" playfully takes on a different dimension with horns capturing the spotlight. Michael Gregory, the creative force behind Cool Heat, has written a wonderful set of songs that I kept playing over and over again. His purpose was to make a cd that sounded "live" and spontaneous. This is a great way to look at production where most artists are meticulous with overdubs, samplings or loops or whatever that makes sound happen but this cd is straightforward good music! The track "Urban Reggae" is still jazzy but has a funky Jamaican feel to it.

Also credited on the album: alto and tenor sax by Bob Chapman who's charm is in bouncing the notes off the other players. Bob has played in many big bands and jazz combos all over Northern California and Nevada. Jim Iron's bass guitar is tight on riffs as he "approaches each song with a unique and very melodic concept." It is noted that Jim plays "both fretted 4 string and fretless 5 string basses with equal skill." By the rock steady beat of each song, drummer John Basa is a “drummers drummer” showing a talent for his "strong, diverse ability to play any style of music and make it look effortless." He knows when to hit the cymbals for emphasis and when to swing us back into a peaceful calm. Performing on guitar is singer, songwriter, Michael A. Gregory, who has "appeared in concerts, studios, TV, radio and various clubs all over the east and west coast." Michael is a true lover of music who assists other songwriters who come up to his neck of the woods in Grass Valley, CA. I will say, when you listen to this album a few times, you'll definitely agree, this is "Certified Cool".

review by Toni Koch


- Songsalive


Discography

Certified Cool - CoolHeat

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Bio

CoolHeat consists of six musicians who play a combination of tunes that fall within the new smooth jazz radio format. The familiar songs include covers of smooth jazz, light jazz, R & B, light rock, funk and original modern jazz compositions. The band has a large repertoire of material to pull from and can please any audience. They can provide any event with a perfect balance of music for dancing and listening. They also provide pre-recorded music during breaks as required, to maintain the party atmosphere.

CoolHeat is lead by Michael A. Gregory on guitar and vocals. He has over 40 years experience in the music business and has appeared in concert halls, radio, television, and night clubs all over the United States. He writes and arranges all the band’s original material. On lead vocals we have Rachelle Byrne, who has years of experience singing and entertaining to the delight of many audiences. Rachelle adds an energetic style, emotion and warmth to every song she sings. Bob Chapman plays Alto and Tenor sax and also sings backup. He has appeared in many popular big bands in Northern California. John Basa performs his musical wonders on drums. Roger Shimoff plays bass and covers background vocals. He is a seasoned musician. On percussion, the band's newest member, is Andy Gonzales. He provides that extra boost to the pulsating rhythms of the music.