Montreal, Quebec (Top40 Charts/ Rick Scott Productions) - Although it has only been just over a month since its release date, awards shows and critics are taking note of guitarist Les Sabler's Sweet Drive album. The collection of contemporary jazz, R&B and adult pop, released by the The
Music Force record label, is nominated for Album of the Year honors at the 2008 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. Sabler earned a second nomination as Guitarist of the Year. The Montreal, Quebec native will perform at the fourth annual awards show in March.
While the album's first single, "Club Street," gains radio-play, reviewers are praising Sweet Drive. Jazz Review wrote, "Mega talented guitarist Les Sabler mixes sounds, tempos and emotions on his fourth album, Sweet Drive, using gentle acoustic and nylon-string guitar, as well as electric rock fusion. Keeping his original songs with the same edginess and funk as the cover songs keeps the listener glued to this electrifying album..Powerful songs, master talents and great interplay make this album a 'must have.'"
The Smooth Jazz Now reviewer stated, "With 13 tracks to cruise through I found myself hooked on the selection of tunes, stellar production and the mesmerizing guitar work from Les Sabler. Produced by Brian Bromberg and surrounded by some of the formats best musicians including Alex Acuna, Brian Bromberg, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff Lorber, Eric Marienthal and Gary Meek, the drive is indeed sweet and infectious."
Jazz Lynx echoed the sentiments by noting that the artist "devoted great time & energy to the critical process of song selection and by enlisting the aid of ace-bassist & producer Brian Bromberg, plus many of his favorite A-players for the project, Sabler delivers a veritable diamond of an album.
Quite simply there is something on the project for everyone." Smooth Jazz Vibes summed it up best when writing, "If there is a magic formula for making top notch smooth jazz then guitarist Les Sabler has surely found it. His brand new CD release Sweet Drive not only features his own picture perfect playing, but also includes some of the best contemporary jazz talent around.
Rather than marveling at just how Sabler has managed to assemble so many great performers in the same place at the same time, it's more than enough to simply delight in the artistry on show...Sweet Drive is an album that just can't fail."
Sabler has a string of November concert dates in Clearwater, Sarasota, and Tampa, Florida, near where he now calls home. He's also got a return engagement to perform the National Anthem with Marshall Gillon at the Tampa Bay Lightning's National Hockey League game against the New York Rangers on November 21st. Additional information is available at www.lessabler.com.
