When we first asked our contributors what CD people would like to review for October, Kyle Eastwood easily became the top favorite. The honor falls on futuresoul who delivers a smooth review for 'Paris Blue.' Well done! Read on ...

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Kyle Eastwood – ‘Paris Blue’ (Rendezvous Entertainment)

Kyle Eastwood could rest on the laurels of his famous last name. After all, he is the son of actor/director Clint Eastwood. But Kyle is an accomplished jazz bassist with a following all his own. 1998's ‘From There To Here’ was Kyle's debut that paid respect to the jazz he was raised on (Joni Mitchell did a memorable cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man”). The CD gained Eastwood plenty of fans because it was an impressive effort of classic jazz.

‘Paris Blue’ is the latest release from Kyle Eastwood. He charts new territory with a mix of traditional and contemporary jazz. His roots remain in jazz but this time Kyle experiments with different flavors.

“Le Pont Royal” and “Solferino” recall the sounds of early Blue Note. There's a hint of smooth jazz with the hip-bop “Muse’ and funk-heavy “Cosmo.” “Marrakech,” inspired by a trip to Morocco, has an ambient world music vibe to it. Father Clint makes a cameo appearance whistling on “Big Noise From Winnetka,” a dance floor remake of the old Bob Crosby/Bob Haggart swing hit. Clint suggested Kyle record a new version after playing him the original 78-rpm recording. The result is a hip, retro-feeling tune that remains true to the original.

Finally, there are two remixes included on ‘Paris Blue’ that are sure to make some jazz purists cringe. An urban flavored remix of “Marrakech” and “Big Noise From Winnetka” that is remixed into an upbeat house track.

Reviewed by Giant Step contributor Thomas J. Baltazar (futuresoul)
October 2005
View futuresoul’s profile: www.giantstep.net