The smoothest of the smooth is one way to describe White Sand, the 2007 CD from guitarist Paul Brown. One of the main players, producers and guitarists on the smooth jazz scene since the early ‘90s, Brown blends a love of ‘60s soul jazz and ‘70s fusion light with modern hip-hop beats on White Sand. The mostly instrumental guitar-based ten track White Sand is balanced by key vocal slots from singer Al Jarreau and Bobby Caldwell, the latter featured here on a revival of the Cannonball Adderly classic “Mercy Mercy Mercy.” An unusual smooth jazz / hip-hop cover of “For What It’s Worth” (the 1966 Buffalo Springfield classic) with vocals by Brown, packs a punch thanks to Brown’s production expertise and low-pressure guitar lines. www.paulbrownjazz.com

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