Review - Elan Trotman - This Time Around by Kari Graham September 8, 2009 - Discovering a new artist has its merits. There is nothing wrong with getting another take on great music and my Smooth Jazz collection can always get fatter.
Elan Trotman serves up everything he's learned so far on "This Time Around," and it turns out he's taken lots of notes. Inspired by Arturo Tappin, Grover Washington Jr, and Kirk Whalum, Trotman stays well within the Smooth Jazz boundaries on this, his fourth album.
Born and raised in Barbados, he was originally a pianist but during his pre-teens got the sax-bug. He's never turned back. In 1997 Trotman was awarded a full scholarship to Berklee by the Barbados government, earning a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. The prestigious school added new flavors to the young man who was brought up on Calypso and Reggae. One can only imagine how his musical palette was expanding during those years. Since that time he's shared the studio and/or stage with Roberta Flack, Brian McKnight, Nathan East, Don Grusin and Peter Gammons among others.
"This Time Around" showcases a performer who has timed all the elements just right. If anyone is ready for center stage it’s Elan Trotman.
It has been said, in this fickle music world, that starting an album with hook-filled tunes is the only way to go. After all, one only gets a few kicks-at-the-can and in this case Trotman put his best foot forward. The CD starts with the impressive "Lil' Too Late" - it's pure, perfect pleasure. The tune manages to mix the elements of sexiness and wholesomeness, now that ain't easy to do!
Another stand-out "Me n' My 22's," though a little repetitious, is the one that stayed with me long after my ipod was out of site. It's an anthem from top to bottom.
The single "Oh How We Were Meant To Be" features Ahmir on vocals and is a through back of better days of 70's R&B. It seriously seemed plucked from older Detroit days but has all the goodies of today's clean studios.
The hook on "With You" sung deliciously by Neil L'etendre gives it an air-play worthy feel.
Trotman is big on chorus vocals and harmonizing and it works great on "4:05PM" featuring Athene Wilson doing it Aretha/Chaka style.
"It's Alright" does it right with lots of ingredients in the soup including Andre Hayward on Trombone and Patriq Moody on Trumpet. It easily has a warm traveling inspiration.
Trotman covers the old Bill Withers classic "Lovely Day," giving it a new spin, sure the main arrangement is still there but it's just a lot spicier now.
Trotman put in a great effort on "This Time Around." Now, I want more! - by Kari Graham
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September 8, 2009 - Discovering a new artist has its merits. There is nothing wrong with getting another take on great music and my Smooth Jazz collection can always get fatter.
March 5, 2010 – Smooth Jazz has gone dark in Sacramento. Entercom Communications, owners of Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 FM pulled the plug on the station this week. 
February 27, 2010 – Smooth Jazz Now wants to thank you for listening. Starting Monday March 1st listen for your name andyou could win some of the biggest albums in Smooth Jazz history
February 23, 2010 - French Smooth Jazz guitar sensation Emmanuel Abitebol, more known as U-NAM, came to fame with his widely acclaimed somophore album ‘Back from the 80’s’ released in 2007. 
February 23, 2010 – The new Sade album is kicking some serious butt on the charts. After a 10 year break the sultry singer is back on top of the Billboard Album Charts with “Soldier of Love.” It sold over 500 thousand in its first week of release. 
February 22, 2010 – The annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards ballot count ending last Friday (Feb. 19) reflects a dramatic increase in voter interest. Awards co-chair, Mary Kirk, of Wave 94.7FM says, “Thank you to the huge number of fans from all over the world who took time to send in their ballots.” 
February 19 - 2010 - Smooth Jazz female sax players are not numerous, but there is a collection of talented performers such as Candy Dulfer, Jessy J and Paula Atherton among others. Mrs. Atherton does not only perform sax and other horn instruments, she is also a consummate singer.