Title - ‘Come On Up’ (Warner Bros.)
Artist - Brian Culbertson
In comparison to his previous release, Nice & Slow, Brian Culbertson's latest, Come On Up could also be called "Fast & Funky." This CD moves away from the predominantly soothing melodies of Nice to incorporate more horns ("Serpentine Fire," an instrumental remake of the Earth, Wind, & Fire hit, and "Funky B") and thumping bass lines ("Midnight") to go along with Culbertson's signature piano melodies. For those like me who were converted to Culbertson by Nice & Slow, "Last Night" is a gentle, flowing song that reminds one of the style of his previous release and "Days Gone By" is reminiscent of the steamy "I Could Get Used To This." As for outstanding performance, the title track "Come On Up" weaves Culbertson's infectious piano melodies with Norman Brown's stellar guitar segments to stand out as the highlight of this CD.
Reviewed by Sarah Hickson
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