Peter White is one of those rare artists whose unique sound and natural, unpretentious musical vision encapsulate all the charm, appeal, and excitement of his genre. However one chooses to label that style -- new adult contemporary, contemporary jazz, pop instrumental -- the English-born acoustic guitarist has struck rare chords, artistically, commercially, and emotionally, in becoming a melodic mainstay at the top of every radio airplay and sales chart known to soulful, smooth jazz since launching his solo career in 1990 with
reveillez-vous.
White's similarly warmhearted, instantly infectious Columbia debut
Caravan of Dreams continues in the R&B vein of his previous two discs (1993's
Promenade and 1994's Reflections), focusing on his trademark breezes while texturing street-smart synth grooves with a free-spirited all-star ensemble to create a whimsical musical travelog. While many of his best radio hits have been very saxophone oriented, for
Caravan of Dreams,
White made sure that his beloved guitar is in the forefront. And to better accentuate the urban sensibilities his previous albums only hinted at, he chose to collaborate with veteran producer
Paul Brown, whose street vibe with
Boney James has helped make the saxman one of rhythm and jazz's premier performers. Helping add spice to
White's snappy strains and
Brown's Midas urban flow is a perfect complement of contemporary jazz's usual suspects,
James (on sax and WX-7 windsynth) to
White's longtime reed player
Dave Camp (on flute),
Rick Braun (flügelhorn) and urban gypsy guitarist
Marc Antoine, who duets with
White along the simmering, Latin-tinged edges of "Cafe Mystique."
James adds a lush yet muscular harmony on tenor and soprano, respectively, to the laid-back hip-hop of the title track and the silky, romantic "Together Again."
Lenny Castro's surefire percussion adds a lively rhythmic vibe to the summery pleasures of "Venice Beach," while the swirling passions of "Ready & Willing" showcase the guitarist at his most intimate. The explosive energy of "Long Ride Home," featuring artsy solo turns by
Braun and
Camp, perfectly reflects the drive-time lunacy of life on the road. ~ Jonathan Widran