Souljazzz by Rahmlee

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It was Rahmlee‘s versatile and unique musical style that made him so in demand and brought him to the attention of Earth, Wind & Fire. Along with the late Don Myrick, the late Lui Lui Satterfield and Michael Harris, he spent 8 years establishing The Phenix Horns section as an integral part of the musical act awarded Gold and Multi-Platinum albums, and numerous Grammys. Earth, Wind & Fire made musical history as the world’s greatest pop/rock band. Their worldwide tours are still talked about as some of the best and most successful ever staged.

After noting their explosive presence with Earth, Wind & Fire, Phil Collins initiated a musical coup, and The Phenix Horns became an important element of his decade long string of Gold and Platinum recordings, as well as very successful world tours.

Rahmlee’s 2006 release “You Can’t Stop This!” is now available here at CD BABY. Other releases include, “Intimacy" on Rahm Records. "Intimacy" features The Phenix Horns Esquire, Larry Dunn, Robert Turner, Derf Reklaw Raheem, Al McKay and a host of other guest musicians and “Rise of the Phenix" on Headfirst Records.

Review:

Those who like conventional but still peppy and diverse horn records may find solace in Rahmlee's trumpet extravaganza "Souljazzz," which offers silky soul and lighthearted jazz in a variety of comfortable settings, from friendly pop covers to the requisite "Mandela" tribute. Rahm's lengthy resume as a sideman includes longtime stints with Earth, Wind & Fire and Phil Collins, so it was perhaps inevitable that even his greatest twists and turns are in the service of more playful and frothy R&B based fare. The amiable take on Collins' "Another Day In Paradise" epitomizes this mindset. Yet if you're patient and dig beyond the Quiet Storm breezes, prepare for the rewards of a dapper rendition of "My Favorite Things" and the free for all, seemingly spontaneous blues jam rehearsal "Blues Fa Don," which blends avant-garde trumpet improvisation with Joel Brandon's soaring flute and some monster drum over bass tracks. Scattered choice of material aside, the true charms of Rahmlee lie in his chameleonic blowing style. A bit like Miles in his ability to switch formats so effortlessly, he succeeds in creating a soundscape where no two tunes are quite the same. He may hold back at times to get some crossover attention, but it's easy to see a true jazz soul underlying his festive heart. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

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