American smooth jazzer VINCENT INGALA is a new name to us but it seems he’s a quite a name Stateside. The multi-instrumentalist has seven albums under his belt and has enjoyed 18 Top 10 Smooth Jazz radio singles and ten #1 radio hits. So by way of an apology for our ignorance may we recommend his upcoming long player – ‘Fire & Desire’, a ten tracker that harks back to the golden age of soul-based, smooth jazz when maestros like David Sanborn, Dave Grusin and Ernie Watts were helping to define the genre.
It will probably come as no surprise to you to learn that Ingala recorded ‘Fire & Desire’ during the various lockdowns – a task made easier for him as he plays (splendidly) every instrument on the collection …oh, and he’s the producer and mixer! However, there’s little here that could be called “self-indulgent” – a trap that artist produced albums often fall into.
Amongst the many highlights is a cover of the Jimmy Roach-penned dance standard ‘Disco Sax’ which Ingala offers as a tribute to legendary sax man, Houston Person. This new ‘Disco Sax’ really does conjure up all the best images of that magical glitter ball era… think the Salsoul Orchestra, MFSB, Instant Funk or Mystic Merlin. Other danceable moments include the classy opener, ‘Shadow Dancer’ and the pacey ‘On The Move’. The slower moments include ‘This Or That’ and the atmospheric ‘Aftermath’. Whether posting a call to the floor or offering a mellower vibe, Ingala delivers with a slick, polished professionalism – the hallmarks of great smooth jazz.
VINCENT INGALA; ‘Fire & Desire’ released on Shanachie on September 17th.
