Michael J Thomas
City Beat
Harbor Breeze Records
www.michaeljthomas.net
By George W. Harris

New multi-saxist on the block is Michael J. Thomas, Kentucky-bred and
weaned on R&B like EWF and Stevie Wonder. This, his debut recording is
a bit to the left of Kenny G, and to the right of Grover Washington,
with catchy tunes like “Midtown Manhattan” and the title track
supported by a snappy smooth/contemporary jazz feel. The Supporting
team of Jonathon Davis/dr, Eric Lampley/b, Kidi Ross/key, Shannon
Wallace/g and Paul Scurto/tp is tight and in sync like a 6 cylinder. He
writes almost all of the tunes, but the one cover, Michael Jackson’s
“Billie Jean,” fits in like a member of the infield with it’s made for
jazz groove. Nice intro session by a guy who’s got a clean sound.