Jazz / Contemporary Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Jazz Instrument, Guitar Jazz
Al Duncan Piano (Electric)
Al Turner Keyboards, Engineer, Bass, Producer, Drum Programming
Bryan Bowman Piano, Producer, Organ, Keyboards, Mixing
Chris Noud Design, Artwork
Craig Bauer Editing, Programming, Mixing
D'Andre Thomas Bass
Dana Davis Keyboards, Moog Synthesizer, Soloist, Piano (Electric), Keyboard Programming
David McMurray Saxophone
DeAndrae Thomas Bass
Elijah "Double Portion" Lewis Piano, Keyboards
Elijah Lewis Composer
Howard Smith Vocals (Background), Vocals, Vocals, Vocals (Background)
Jeff Webb Percussion
Jesse McGuire Trumpet
Jun Pino Photography
Ken Love Mastering
Merion "Joei" Powers Engineer, Mixing
Mike Brown Mixing
Philmore Bouldes Keyboards
Ron Otis Drums
Steve Johnson Mixing
Terrance Palmer Bass
Tim Bowman Producer, Drum Programming, Guitar, Keyboards, Engineer, Mixing, Composer
Tracee Harris Make-Up
Smile gave Bowman the breakthrough he needed to contend with major artists. The title track received Top 20 airplay across the country. The age-old discussion of whether instrumentalists can really be praising God unless they are playing a hymn is quashed by the delightful expression of God's love that Bowman conveys in each song. Yes, in most cases, even without words. This album is clearly carrying the feeling of love. In the song Wanda Patrice , Bowman expresses his thoughts on the subject and effectively inputs these thoughts of pure and genuine love into his audiences mind. Take some time to revel in the marital love song, Yes, No and Yes; with lead by Howard Smith. Smith wraps his cozy, fireside vocals around this song of songs with a endearing, heartfelt performance. Other supporting musicians on this project include the respected D'Aundre Thomas on bass and the gifted Dana Davis on keyboards. This album definitely will help you remember why you love the ones closest to you.
- Tim Bowman offers us a peek inside his heart and life with Smile, his third release. The countless Gospel artists who have featured his guitar skills on their projects are testimony that he certainly is not lacking in skill. On his solo offerings, Bowman also demonstrates that he has the gift of interpreting feelings and stories using his mastery of plucking the strings. The age-old discussion of whether instrumentalists can really be praising God unless they are playing a hymn is quashed by the delightful expression of God's love that Bowman conveys in each song. Yes, in most cases, even without words. The title cut, Smile; exemplifies how He can show His love this way in music without words much the same way in which He can show His love through a simple smile. An expressive array of tunes that includes Fred Hammond's Glory to Glory, and Just Another Day; (which rides a nice bass line), making it a glorious project. Take some time to revel in the marital love song, Yes, No and Yes; with lead by Howard Smith. Smith wraps his cosy, fireside vocals around this song of songs with such a mastery that it made us dig for his own two solo projects. It's well worth that effort. Other supporting psalmists on this project include the respected D'Aundre Thomas on bass and Dana Davis on keyboards. Bowman speaks both expertly and eloquently with his guitar and with Smile, thankfully allows us into his world. - GospelFlava.com
Tim Bowman calls his disc Smile, and thus it follows naturally that the guitarist would create songs and moods that would provoke that response from the listener. Titles like "Happiness Is...," a bright, retro-soul charmer featuring Bowman's chipper electric lines and occasional wah-wah accents, tell the basic story; it's pleasant, uplifting music that only occasionally extends beyond simple cheery emotions with some well crafted improvisations. He toys with various acoustic tones on "Heart and Soul," sometimes bringing Peter White's lightheartedness to mind as synth strings waft through. The title track is in some ways the ultimate smooth jazz radio track -- a snappy guitar melody offset by some rich harmonic undertones and a lush solo by saxman Dave McMurray. His liner notes reveal his Christian faith, and it's no surprise that the best tracks here have more of a gospel influence. He gives gospel singer Fred Hammond's "Glory To Glory" a likeable reading, which allows some stretching on electric, even if it's over a very synthesized groove. The church roots truly come alive on the buoyant and funky "Columbus GA," on which Bowman blends his own low electric tones with the muted trumpet musings of Jesse McGuire -- all bouncing happily over the shimmering organ foundations of Bryan Bowman. The moody closer "My Prayer" isn't quite as inspired, but it's still a nice display of Bowman's rich and soulful sense of balladry. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide |
