Sapphire Music, LLC
Jazz guitarist Ed Stone has released two CDs. His latest CD is entitled, “Magic Rhythm.” This CD was inspired by his first CD, “In The Morning Light” which received strong reviews of praise. ContemporaryJazz.com’s Jeff Charney said, “I started grooving to the CD right from the start” and, “the man can play a mean guitar.” Ed’s fans where also inspired by his vocals and requested he sing more on his next album.
Ed’s latest CD, “Magic Rhythm,” has five vocals and five instrumentals with one instrumental using the catchy vocal phrase, “Got it Together.” Stone’s music blends improvisation with soulful beats with motivating melodies. Media and radio personalities agree that Stone is very talented and is poised to become a motivating musical force.
Stone’s creative musical career began in Seattle, Washington at age 12 and now brings him to Detroit, Michigan where he makes his home. Stone studied music in college and has played in numerous jazz and top 40 groups. “I always knew I was a musician inside,” he said, “The guitar allows me to tell my story in a creative way that moves the listener.” Stone wrote, arranged, and produced both “Magic Rhythm” and “In The Morning Light.” Stone is also a medical doctor who practices in the Metro Detroit area.
Currently Stone has been playing in local clubs and at special events in the Detroit area. Seldom Blues Jazz Restaurant, Rhino Club, 2005 Motown Celebration, Belle Isle Jazz Concert Series, Campus Martus Park Jazz Series and the Fox 2 Morning News Weekend Show on WJKB-TV are some of his key engagements. Stone is looking to expand his performances to regional audiences where he can convincingly demonstrate his unique brand of smooth jazz music.
IMPACT – The Total Entertainment Magazine
INSIDE TRACKS
By Maxine Michaels
ED STONE
Touche. Guitarist, singer, composer, arranger, producer and percussionist Ed Stone is truly a multi-talent, hitting the mark with his sophomore CD release, “Magic Rhythm.” While Stone’s skills as a jazz guitarist are undeniable, the vocal arrangements and lyrics are the most pleasant surprises in this collection. “Magic Rhythm” opens with a captivating song: The track, titled “Lovin’ You” is rhythmic, playful, passionate and engaging, combining Stone’s abilities as a superb instrumentalist with his vocal talents. Track number two, “Whenever We’re Together,” takes the listener on a melodic groove, perfect for cruising and relaxing. Stone’s music has energy, including subtle hints of a Caribbean influence. “Our New Love” is one of my personal favorites; from the very first notes, it’s warm, romantic and jazzy. It’s the kind of song that invites you to cozy-up and unwind. Successfully managing to blend contemporary jazz with urban finesse, the time and money Stone invested in the studio recording this project were well spent. “Magic Rhythm” is sure to be a welcome addition to anyone’s music collection. This CD had driving force, without being too edgy or hard-hitting. It also has a calming effect, however, it won’t make you sleepy. It’s got a perfect vibe at the start, in the middle and in the end! Pick up this winning new collection today. In fact, buy two copies, one for yourself and the other as a gift to a jazz lover you know. Trust me, you’ll be thanked for it.
ContemporaryJazz.com
Review
Ed Stone
In The Morning Light
Review by Jeff Charney
This is the CD debut for guitarist Ed Stone who at 12 was already playing professionally in Seattle, Washington. Stone composed, arranged and produced all twelve tracks (two vocals) and shows immediately that he has what it takes to be a musician that should be taken seriously. The CD starts off with “Brooklyn Nights,” an up tempo track featuring a horn section and Stone picking the lead. It’s a perfect example of his guitar playing style which is fast and fluid. I started grooving on the CD right off the bat. “NoonDay” gives us a good melody with a string type background a la some of the old CTI records. “Skyline” is another up piece with a moving beat. Good driving music that’ll make your hands tap and head bob. Stone’s style is mixing finger picking with chords fairly evenly with a touch of soul. I’ll bet that Benson was a heavy influence. He can sing, too as he demonstrates on “Beautiful Woman” and “Just To Love You.” On the former his guitar solo is what impressed me more, but on both tracks he sings in tune and does have a higher pitched, smooth voice. Imagine though what they would have sounded like with a specialized vocalist. I didn’t care for all the tracks, but eight out of twelve is pretty good, especially for a new artist. Stone can write some good tunes. Points for not recording a cover tune. The man can play some mean guitar. You can purchase this CD through Stone’s web site www.edstonemusic.com as well as download a mp3 of “Skyline.”
Smoothjazz.com CD Review – Ed Stone – In The Morning Light:
Smooth jazz is often defined a s a certain “sound”… A sophisticated, sultry, inviting sound with warm saxophone and sweet, smooth guitar. That smooth jazz sound has a noted signature and we found a guitarist that is the perfect model of smooth jazz… Guitarist, Ed Stone. His debut CD, “In The Morning Light” is the perfect soundtrack to your weekend mornings or sunset drives around the beach or your romantic evening rendezvous. Ed’s guitar tone shares familial traits with Lee Ritenour, George Benson and the like. The CD offers predominately soulful, melodic instrumental compositions, however there are two stirring vocal tunes featuring Ed’s equally smooth voice. The project features high caliber musicians, including David J. Van De Pitte, known for his violin arrangements for Marvin Gaye and Motown. Welcome Ed Stone to the world of smooth jazz. Smoothjazz.com Radio is currently playing “Skyline” and also really enjoys “Brooklyn Nights” and “Beautiful Woman.”
