Shea Chambers
Glendale, California, United States | MAJOR | AFTRA
Music
Press
January 31, 2010
Alan Hewitt - Retroactive
Retroactive The much anticipated new CD from keyboard maestro Alan Hewitt is out now. Titled ‘Retroactive’ it is entirely up to expectations and as well as following his magnificent 2006 release ‘Metropolis’ is also Hewitt’s first in collaboration with the consistently excellent nuGroove label. With the exception of one stunning cover (and a tasty reprise from ‘Metropolis’) Hewitt writes arranges and co-produces throughout while his trademark keys prove yet again the ability he has to reach to the very essence of smooth jazz. Not only that, the contributions made by regular band members Jervonny Collier, Chad Wright, Brian Price and Gerald Spikes bestow an overall tightness that is quite simply a joy to behold.
‘Retroactive’ is quickly up and running with Hewitt’s feisty cover of the Isaac Hayes blockbuster ‘Shaft’. Blessed by the silky input of Steve Madaio, Will Donato and Steve Clark, who here masquerade under the name of the Desert Storm Horns, it seems likely, even at this early stage, to stick around to become one of the covers of the year. In fact this stellar horn section of trumpet, sax and trombone adds a luscious veneer to no less than five of the tracks. Another is the catchy foot tapping title cut for which the description ‘infectious’ is totally apt and there is more of the amazing same with the up tempo ‘In The Works’. With a groove to die for it is already a firm Smooth Jazz Therapy favourite.
Trumpeter Steve Madaio played a significant part on the ‘Metropolis’ project and when Hewitt returns to it for his tight interpretation of the Sly Stone composition ‘Hot Love In The Summertime’ it is Madaio who blends with Wendell Kelly on trombone to lay a brassy foundation for Hewitt’s picture perfect keys. The song shimmers with wonderfully restrained vocals from Shea Chambers and elsewhere, as Hewitt slips easily into the sumptuously mid tempo ‘All For You’, his vibey playing dovetails effortlessly with handsome sax from Gerald Spikes. In similar vein, and inclusive of a cool guitar solo from Paul Jackson Jr, is the tender ‘Saturday Afternoon’ whilst another hugely accessible tune in a collection crammed full of them is the seriously addictive ‘H2O’. Fellow nuGroove label-mate Steve Oliver features on guitar and a further guest performance of note is that by the incomparable Greg Adams whose distinctive trumpet takes the mid tempo ‘Nassau Blue’ to a different place.
Hewitt uses the sensitive but edgy ‘Amagine That’ as the vehicle for a spine tingling solo effort on piano and vibes yet in complete contrast is the raucous ‘Big Bang’. Thoroughly off the chain and with more horn enriched energy this is a number that really rocks.
‘Retroactive’ is Hewitt’s sixth album and is a brilliant early addition to this year’s new music. It comes highly recommended. For more go to www.alanhewitt.com
- Smooth Jazz Review
Discography
Shea Chambers - Shea
Alan Hewitt - Metropolis
Alan Hewitt - Retroactive
Alan Hewitt Project - Noche de Pasion
Stevie Salas - Sometimes Almost Never Was
Barry White - The Man is Back
Barry White - Just For You
Alan Hewitt - Native Heart
Ellis Hall - Straight Ahead
Laima - Tango (Russian/USA release)
Photos
Bio
The music industry stopped to take notice as Shea Chambers was a featured vocalist on songs written by such artists as, Brenda Russell, Bryan Adams, and Barry White. Her performance on the title track, "Endless Love", written and produced by Lionel Richie, gave her national acclaim in the recording industry.
Shea is no stranger to the small screen either. Shea has appeared on numerous TV shows, including, The Arsenio Hall Show, Entertainment Tonight, Inside Edition, Showtime, Dharma & Greg, and 7th Heaven.
The music industry first stopped to take notice, as Chambers was a featured vocalist on songs written by such artists as, Brenda Russell, Bryan Adams, and Barry White. Her performance on the title track, "Endless Love," written and produced by Lionel Ritchie, gave her national acclaim in the recording industry. She has graced the stages and studios around the world, and performed with top legendary performers such as Mariah Carey; Elton John; Chaka Khan; Kenny G; Brian McKnight; Michael Bolton; Julian Lennon; Ellis Hall; Boney James; Mindi Abair; Sheila E; Billy Preston; Prince; Sting; Sheryl Crow; Billy Idol; Slash; Sam Kinison; Stevie Wonder; Bruce Springteen; Greg Allman; Bonnie Raitt; Herbie Hancock; Brian Culbertson; Everette Harp; Al Di Meola; Kenny Loggins; Gary Busey; Alan Hewitt; Maysa; Don Henley; Bruce Hornsby, and Joe Walsh.
Now as a solo artist, Shea gained International recognition with her smooth jazz single "Kiss Me With Your Eyes," through major radio airplay in Portugal, UK, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Finland, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Austria, Argentina, and Mexico, where she ranked as high as #1 on their charts. On June 23rd, the single was released to over 250 online/digital stores worldwide, including online giant iTunes through our distribution arm, TM Corp Distribution. Look for Shea Chambers’ album, released on Whatever Music/TMG, entitled "SHEA,"
Celebrity audiences who have enjoyed Shea’s talent have included: Bette Midler, Madonna, Warren Betty, Quincy Jones, Bill Maher, Arsenio Hall, Bobby Brown, Eddie Murphy, Johnny Gill, Bruce Willis, John Goodman, Rod Stewart, Sylvester Stallone, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Tracy Edmonds, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Stevie Wonder and a host of others. Anyone that is a celebrity from the early 90s has heard Shea’s voice and witnessed her talent onstage.
Although she may have been born in Kentucky, her sultry, soulful voice has the familiar overtones of some of Motown's legendary artists. Its not surprising that she spent her formative years in none other than Detroit, Michigan. The Motor City would prove to be the perfect playground for a young girl drawn to the performing arts.
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