Richard Elliot Inside Out

Tenor saxophonist Richard Elliot was a member of the legendary horn line in Tower of Power, so it s no surprise that funky and soulful grooves empower his fourteenth solo release, on his own label this time along with Rick Braun (his partner in the company). Metro Blue (2005) has a nicely varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly outstanding artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are his own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard. From the cascading lines in the opening Inside Out to the ethereal balladry of the closing title track, Elliot s playing ties the set together with undeniable personality. Urban and nocturnal in character, the songs are infused with a sense of the organic, through those warm and human