You can tell from the first few notes of the first track, "Riverside Drive" that this is going to be a hot album. Guitarist Garry Goin's early exposure to virtually all kinds of music in his childhood home in Cleveland to his gigs more than a decade ago on Memphis' historic Beale Street he had their influence on this outstanding musician. It's been the long, productive association with renowned producer/composer /arranger Did Porter, though, that has really prepped Garry for this, his debut solo album. The most recent success prior to the release of GOIN' PLACES was as co- writer/producer of Kirk Whalum's recent top ten release, "Into My Soul." The first single from GOIN' PLACES is a great new version of the Emotions' hit, "Don't Ask My Neighbors," featuring Kirk on saxophone. This tune's a hit all over again, with its catchy hook and solid Smooth Jazz performance. There'll be many more to follow from this disc, too. I really like the opening track, the one I mentioned earlier ("Riverside Drive"), along with the gentle ballad, "Will You Marry Me," an especially cool, rhythmic treatment of the Bill Withers classic, "Ain't No Sunshine"...probably the freshest take on this one I've heard...and another hooky hit-to-be, "So-N-2-U." When you hear the proficiency of Garry's playing, the production values, the writing, and the overall musical quality of this album, you'll agree with me that "GOIN' PLACES" is a prophetic title for this great new project and this exciting new Smooth Jazz star. ~Scott O'Brien
01 Riverside Drive (03:55) 02 Don't Ask My Neighbors (03:48) 03 Blue House (04:01) 04 Is It Deep Enough (04:02) 05 Will You Marry Me (03:43) 06 Rush Hour (03:42) 07 Ain't No Sunshine (04:11) 08 Melody To Mommy Jean (01:07) 09 So-N-2-U (03:32) 10 Ain't Yo Business (04:44) 11 Leo Versus Gemini (04:03)