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Standing Tall is the latest release from Jazz Star Bob Baldwin, and is another winner from this talented musician.

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that�s exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

Standing Tall has a pleasantly varied, mix of 12 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly gifted artist. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are him own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They�re all here.

If you're even mildly into Jazz music you'll enjoy this album. Overall Standing Tall is an a great release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.

Overall Standing Tall is outstanding from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Jazz fan. Really spectacular from beginning to end.

While this entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 3 - Too Late, track 10 - She's Single, Ready To Mingle, and track 6 - Where Are You Going?.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 8 - Everybody Loves The Sunshine. What a nice track!

Standing Tall Release Notes:

Bob Baldwin originally released Standing Tall on Sep 17, 2002 on the Narada label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Stand Tall 2. Way She Looked, The (At Me) 3. Too Late 4. It's A New Day 5. Neo-Jazz 6. Where Are You Going? (Brazilian Interlude) 7. See You In Miami 8. Everybody Loves The Sunshine / My Life 9. Let's Fly Away 10. She's Single, Ready To Mingle 11. Mr. Sample 12. Too Late - (TRUE instrumental)

Personnel includes: Bob Baldwin (vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, keyboard bass, string synthesizer); Roy Ayers (vocals, vibraphone); Cafe (vocals, percussion); Phyllis Domigue, Phil Perry (vocals); Marion Meadows, Kim Waters, Fred Vigdor, Dean James (saxophone); Ray Vega (trumpet, flugelhorn); Joey Sommerville (trumpet); Dennis Johnson (keyboards, keyboard bass, drums); Chieli Minucci (guitar); Lil' John, Buddy Williams (drums); Emedin Rivera (congas); Joel Rosenblatt (guiro); Andy Korn (drum programming); Zoiea (background vocals). Recorded at The Uppa Room, Yonkers, New York.