After spending a number of musically formative years in the Los Angeles area, where he played with such smooth jazz greats as Dave Koz, Najee and Jeff Lorber, Quintin Gerard W(ilson) has returned to Louisiana. Taking a page from each of his soprano sax mentors, and adding Grover Washington, Jr., Marion Meadows and Kenny G to the list of influences, this talented young man from Laplace deserves to join their distinguished company. At various times on this, his debut CD, he sounds like each of them, in addition to creating his own unique sound on sax and flute. With smooth jazz taking its lumps from the legions of jazz purists who, after all these years, still refuse to consider it “jazz,” it’s refreshing to know there are at least a few courageous musicians who aren’t ashamed to admit they embrace the genre.

All 12 original tracks on this CD, plus radio-edited versions of two of the songs, are in the smooth vein. Wilson incorporates trace elements of funk, R&B, gospel and blues into the smooth jazz structure he has painstakingly erected. The result is one of the best CDs it has been my pleasure to review.