Justin Lee Schultz is something of a Smooth Jazz child prodigy. Born in Johannesburg, Schultz now lives in Durham, North Carolina. The youthful keyboard maestro cites Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder as inspirations and Quincy Jones and Robert Glasper as admirers. The album kicks off with a nod towards his homeland with the gentle grooving ‘African Chant’ that features some nifty flute work from Najee. The cover of ‘Angela (Theme From Taxi’) features its composer Bob James and it is a straightforward re-work that preserves the charm of the original. Stevie’s ‘Do I Do’ works less well courtesy of the jarring use of a vocoder. The South African theme returns on the lilting ‘Over SA’; guest Jonathan Butler adds a classy contribution on acoustic guitar. The title piece ‘Gruv Kid’ lives up to it title and is a fine piano led Smooth Jazz groove. The tempo mellows for the easy going ‘Miracle’ whilst the riff laden groove of ‘Just In’ features both Gerald Albright and Pieces Of A Dream and the latter’s influence can be heard in its ridiculous catchy melody. The equally compelling ‘Color Blind’ sustains the high standard of the playing. ‘Back Of The Moon’ adds a jazzier feel and possesses a greater urgency, a feel that is replicated on the duo with bassist Michael Pipoquinha on ‘Quarantine’. ‘Gruv Kid’ is a fine debut from a keyboard player from whom there is probably much more to come.
Track listings:
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01 African Chant by Justin Lee Schultz
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02 Angela (Theme From Taxi) by Justin Lee Schultz
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03 Do I Do by Justin Lee Schultz
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04 Over S.A. by Justin Lee Schultz
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05 Gruv Kid by Justin Lee Schultz
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06 Miracle by Justin Lee Schultz
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07 Just In by Justin Lee Schultz
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08 Better Days Ahead by Justin Lee Schultz
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09 Color Blind by Justin Lee Schultz
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10 Back Of The Moon by Justin Lee Schultz
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11 Quarantine by Justin Lee Schultz
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