Lou Pardini - Look The Other Way (Japan, 1998)

LOU PARDINI is a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, keyboardist, and producer who has written and performed with such world renowned artists as Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Santana, Robben Ford or Jay Graydon just to name a few.
Since Bill Champlin left CHICAGO in 2009, Lou take his place. So you have an idea of his style.

"Look The Other Way" is his 2nd solo album and it's a true WestCoast AOR recording, full of late '70s / early '80s atmosphere with a modern sound.
Pardini is a terrific vocalist, dynamic and versatile but also a complete musician specially on keyboards and electric piano, which he handles with class.
All tracks are simply delicious.
"Better Late Than Never", "Look The Other Way" or "Method To The Madness" are catchy and groovy pure L.A. scene pearls, while "We've Got So Far To Go" and "Place In My Heart" are incredible smooth AOR numbers.
On the ballads, Pardini's vocals really shines, as on the Chicago-like "Love Is A Hurtin' Thing" or the classy "Place In My Heart" where Airplay comes to mind.
The japanese release includes the bonus tracks "Take It Away" (a great ballad) and the awesome "What Might Have Been" much in the Joseph Williams style, who did backing vocals here by the way.

"Look The Other Way" oozes class and elegance on every note.
You will find here excellent songwriting and arrangements, with a clear and organic production by Pardini.
This CD has become very hard to find, specially this Japan edition.
Great one.