Rolltop Music - Review of "Nonstop To Paris"

Nonstop To Paris

By Leif Skartland Sr.
Independent music reviewer

Nonstop to Paris
Jazz Soundtracks
©2003 Rolltop Records
Produced by Tim Coffman

If you like Brazilian music, contemporary Latin rhythms or 60's "Cool Jazz", you are in for a real treat with Nonstop to Paris, Tim Coffman's latest release on Rolltop Records. Nonstop to Paris, Coffman's follow up CD to the 2002 release of This Is Fun, could just as easily be titled, This Is Even More Fun.

Certain to be a smooth jazz favorite, this new collection of instrumental material is modern with its deep Latin rhythms, yet thoroughly intriguing with it's vintage mix of R&B, Brazilian, Rock, Big Band, and even European influences. Coffman's 30 years of music industry experience shines through as he meticulously weaves a tapestry of time tested styles from Stan Getz to Dick Dale. Coffman is well known for using vintage mics, amps, and guitars on his recordings and Nonstop to Paris, even though it sounds bright and modern, embraces you with it's authentic vintage tones.

Every album has its favorite songs. I especially enjoyed Just Passin' Thru, Take Your Time, and If I Give My Heart. An unexpected surprise is the fun and refreshing Serenade of Love, an Italian love song filled with passion and enchantment.

Nonstop to Paris exudes a confidence, that is a compliment to the excellent group of musicians Coffman assembled. The mix of tones and textures are pleasant and stimulating. Here is a track-by-track snapshot.

Track 1: SECRET MEDITATION
Beginning with a haunting ethereal keyboard texture and real Brazilian drums, the strong 60's melody at first reminds you of the Beatles, until Anthony Da Luz throws in a clever Spanish twist on guitar and makes this a delightful opening song.

Track 2: BIG CITY LIGHTS
Think city nights and "Cool Jazz", the sound of a sax melts into the evening air, now add the soft sound of a jazz guitar and a smooth horn section. Coffman puts his vibe on another very beautiful and intriguing arrangement. This song is a gem.

Track 3: JUST PASSIN' THRU
Tony Patler's funky keyboard groove, sets the stage for the super smooth tones of sax man John Rekevics and guitarist Anthony Da Luz. "Groove Patrol" describes the rest of the band as they pump out a upercharged performance of exciting and complex rhythms.

Track 4: TAKE YOUR TIME
This song is so much fun, its complexity is easy to overlook. The sax and guitar melodies are engaging and confidant. You can definitely see yourself walking the beach in the late afternoon or sipping tea on the veranda.

Track 5: NONSTOP TO PARIS
The title track is sophisticated enough for the French and down to earth enough for a big band from Cuba. An extraordinary mix of musical styles, especially the surf/spy baritone guitar with Anthony Da Luz. Mitch Manker's soaring trumpet solos go off the charts and into the stratosphere.

Track 6: SLINKY FEET (Re-Mix)
If a song has to get remixed it's seldom worth the effort, however, not in this case. The drums were recorded with all 60's mics giving the track a very "cool jazz" vibe. T.J. Tindall's guitar is simply great, and Mitch Manker and John Rekevics score again.

Track 7: THE GLORY OF REDEMPTION
A cool transition from Slinky Feet, this majestic song has a decidedly orchestral feel. You will have a hard time getting this melody out of your head.

Track 8: PROCESSION OF CHAMPIONS
Reminiscent of a "Chariots Of Fire" song, this jazz/pop ballad features a trumpet section that caresses the beautiful melody. It's also nice to hear real strings again as they change the mood and share the melody with a baritone guitar.

Track 9: SERENADE OF LOVE
At first I didn't know why I liked this infectious Italian song except it's just plain fun. The string work is moving and the mood created by the accordion is excellent. This is no two-bit pizza but quality pasta.

Track 10: IF I GIVE MY HEART
Pure smooth jazz, great guitar tone and equally impressive sax technique from John Rekevics a real pro, yes this one is enjoyable and a good closer.

Nonstop To Paris

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By Bill Fark
North Country Times

Grade: A

The subtitle to this CD is "Jazz Soundtracks", which pretty much sums it up. Composer/bassist Tim Coffman writes songs in a style that might be called updated swing, the jazz subgenre that dominated popular music from the mid-1930's through World War II. Coffman has done his homework well. He has the various jazz and jazz-related rhythms covered and presents the songs in a fair replication of big-band arrangements, plus contemporary additions. The result is a pleasantly varied program of easy listening tunes that invite listeners to dance The CD opens with "Secret Meditations", a low-key, rhythmic piece with a Latin influence. "Big City Lights" has a much newer base, the fun music of the 1960's here featuring Anthony Da Luz's mastery on both acoustic and electric guitar. Da Luz is also heard to advantage again on "Procession of Champions" and "The Glory of Redemption", where he is joined by guitarist Beau MacDougal.

"Just Passin' Thru" adds more contemporary sounds: John Rekevics' licks on sax, and Tony Patler's tricky keyboard fingering. Still more updating on"Serenade to Love", with Bill Haworth on accordion and Steve Ball's solo violin. The CD really swings with Mitch Manker's hot trumpet passages on the title track. A similar arrangement, with Manker switching off to flugelhorn and Rekevic on flute, marks the follow-up number, "Slinky Feet". The program closes as it begins on the low key "If I Give My heart". In addition to musicians previously identified, the CD gains from the talents of Coffman on synthesizer; Michael Neiland and Brian Cantrell, drums; Walter Santos and Nico Guiterrez, percussion; T.J. Tindall, guitar; Anna Rose and Natalia Kytasty, violin."Nonstop to Paris" is on sale at Tower Records outlets or at
www.rolltopmusic.com .

Nonstop To Paris

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Review by Norm Allen
WLHC 103.1 FM

Before I even had the chance to talk with Tim Coffman for a radio interview, I felt like I knew him or at least his personality; a kind person with a few quirks that make him interesting. His music reflects that nature as well as a great sense of “color” in his writings. These songs are ‘soundtracks” to the day. “Serenade of Love” is my favorite cut, because it brings to mind a crisp tuxedo on the deck of a cruise ship, dancing to the demanding feel of the samba like sounds. So it’s no wonder that this is a “travel” record.

The title tune is also exceptional, with a mood that brings pictures to your mind. You just expect everything to suddenly appear in Technicolor. I never understood why people describe wines with flavors that are not connected to grapes, until I attempt to describe “Nonstop to Paris” with words that are not music. This is one that stays in the car, and on my play list, because I like it. I expect even more fun in Tim’s future recordings.