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Though Freddie Ravel has done stints as music director for singer Al Jarreau and as a touring member of Earth, Wind & Fire, the keyboardist remains one of the best-kept secrets in smooth jazz. This album, his third, and his first in six years, may change that. Pretty melodies and lush arrangements that are dominated by the music of his Hispanic heritage mark Ravel's music. Marc Antoine, Peter White, and the team of Strunz and Farah will draw fans of flamenco guitar to this release. And Ravel's legendary ex-bandmates from EW&F, bassist Verdine White and guitarist Al McKay, add a funk punch to the track "Sunny Side Up." Ravel shows his palatable vocal chops on the memorable Latin-pop song, "Love Is in the Air ... When You're Aware," a tune that owes a distinct rhythmic debt to Tito Puente. This outing for Ravel should resonate with anyone fond of the crossroads between smooth jazz and samba, rumba, and merengue. --Mark Ruffin, ISBN13:B000059QC1 ISBN10:B000059QC1 Material Type:audioCD