Gene Dunlap - Peaceful Days (2005)

Gene Dunlap's albums "Groove With You" (1994) and "Tales Of The Phatman" (2000) are so excellent that I impatiently awaited his new album. "Tired Of Being A Nice Guy" (2004) is a pure R&B album with vocal songs, a re-issue of his previous album of 1983. Personally I prefer his instrumental music and was delighted that he went back to this music with "Peaceful Days". Most of his fans know him as the longtime drummer of Earl Klugh with whom he shared a musical career of more than 20 years. Gene Dunlap produced a great part of the new album. The text in the CD-booklet is a little bit irritating because it doesn't keep the right order of the songs.

The album starts with Fairway written by Gene in co-operation with Ray Manzerolle (sax). Ray had some success with the group "Modern Tribe" and the album "Groove On" (Expansion Records).

The harmonica is Stevie Wonder's significant instrument. On Sometimes When I'm Alone which is dedicated to Stevie Ray plays this sound with a Wind Controller. Perry Hughes showcases his superb style on guitar. He is also an in-demand sideman of Ronnie Laws, Earl Klugh, Marlena Shaw, Bobby Lyle and more.

Forgiveness is featuring saxplayer Everette Harp. Great melody and overdubbing arrangement. On most tunes Gene Dunlap is celebrating diverse drum programming in his own style.

Gene also presents some covers on his album like Sweet Sticky Thing written by the members of The Ohio Players Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner/Marshall "Rock" Jones/Ralph "Pee Wee" Middlebrooks/Marvin Pierce/Clarence "Satch" Satchell/James "Diamond" Williams in 1975 for their album "Honey" ( Perry Hughes' jazzy guitar play is brilliant) and You've Got It Bad Girl created by Stevie Wonder for his album "Talking Book" (1972).

Al Duncan and Charles Scales on keyboards and Carl Holmes on bass make Dorindia to a highlight.

Gene Dunlap isn't only a drummer but also an excellent keyboardist as he showcases on Lonely Love Affair.

On I'd Rather Be Loving You Earl Klugh convinces with his masterful guitar technique. If you like his acoustic style check out his new album "Naked Guitar".
Life Is - vibrating like Roy Ayers music. Fantastic: Rayse Bigg's trumpet solo. More by Rayse Biggs is to hear on his solo debut "Mr. B & Friends" (1997).

The gospel song Peaceful Days is featuring Gwendolyn Joy and The Angelic Voices of fellowship Chapel Choir. Gwendolyn Joy describes her sound as urban adult contemporary with jazzy undertones. Gwendolyn Joy is best known as the lead singer of the Detroit group "Modern Tribe". Her solo album "Love Is" is also to find on Expansion Records.

A reprise of I'd Rather Be Loving You is the final curtain. A festival for guitar fans: Perry Hughes and Earl Klugh in a duet of acoustic and electric guitar.