Music Review: Ed Stone – ‘King of Hearts’

Elegantly seamed and melodic-sounding, Ed Stone is a contemporary jazz guitarist whose new CD King of Hearts juxtaposes the suave voicing of George Benson with a touch of Bernard Edwards’ stylized funk. The melodic strokes cultivate dreamy vibrations resting on a carriage of soft rocking beats. Comprised of nine original tracks written by Ed Stone, the album is a representation of his expressive voice channeled through the guitar chords.

His interpretation of classic pop favorites like “The Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” written by Gloria Estefan and Enrique Garcia, and “Treat Her Like a Lady” which was penned by O. Williams and O. Woodson, showcase his spirited musings as well, tweaking the melodic motifs with his brand of tender loving care. The tracks demonstrate Stone’s skills to contemporize classic pop tunes with sprigs of jazz. Stone treats each song as though it’s his baby, bathing the melodies and caressing them with affection as he meticulously grooms every detail.

The arrangement for “Mystic Moments” has a poetic phrasing with a Latin shading in the rhythm section administered by Al Turner on bass and Ron Otis on drums. Delving into his vocal accoutrements, Stone displays his bluesy funk register in “Moving On.” The lyrics promote a positive aura as he entices, “Losing that blues/Cause you walk a little better/Sing that new song/In any kind of weather.” His positive attitude rings prominently throughout the recording, filling the listener with melodic-sounding vibrations.

The fluid strokes of Stone’s guitar chords in “Quiet Chance” resonate a romantic atmosphere and the soft funky rhythm of “Satin Lover” stimulates the listener to tap along with dancing beats. The application of R&B influences on “No Limit” is reminiscent of vintage George Benson and the smooth jazz casing enveloping “Automatic” evokes a blissful mood relatable to Andrew Neu’s music.

Known for composing cool jazz riffs, Ed Stone contemporizes classic pop and R&B/funk with jazz guitar. It’s discernible that Stone plays what comes natural to him, and what he plays naturally stirs sweet sensations in the listener.

Musicians:

Ed Stone – guitar, vocals, synthesizer, percussion; Mark McGruder – keyboards; Al Turner – bass; Ron Otis – drums; Penny Wells – background vocals

Tracklisting:

“Automatic,” “Treat Her Like a Lady,” “The Way She Moves,” “King of Hearts,” “Quiet Chance,” “The Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Distant Smile,” “Mystic Moments,” “Moving On,” “Satin Lover,” “No Limit”

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