An American R&B, funk and jazz guitarist from Baltimore. After touring and recording with George Benson and Jimmy McGriff, he signed to Groove Merchant Records. In Japan he's often hailed as the label's "golden child" or "flagship artist" — a master player whose appeal lies not just in technique but in his bluesy, mellow, refined playing. Backed by the trusted rhythm section of Steve Gadd (drums) and Tony Levin (bass), plus a horn section and flute, the lineup delivers a lavish, cinematic sound. Seven tracks meant to be heard start to finish: the popular jazz-funk cut "Playhouse" (sample_1), two mellow ballads too good to choose between, "Sierra Lonely" and "Sad, Sad, Simba" (sample_2), and "Joni" (sample_3), which drifts between bossa and samba. A classic of understated cool. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)