Tom Reaves Jr.’s New Album Release - “Soulful Strut”

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Prepare to embark on a captivating musical journey as guitarist Tom Reaves Jr. announces the release of his highly anticipated Smooth Jazz album, “Soulful Strut”. This album promises to be a soul-soothing experience, blending melodious guitar work with the timeless elegance of both Smooth Jazz and Soul. Immerse yourself in the seductive melodies and heartfelt musical statements that are about the storytelling and the emotions behind those stories.

As Soulful Strut prepares to make its mark on the Smooth Jazz landscape,Tom Reaves Jr. invites music enthusiasts to join him on this melodic voyage. With a fusion of emotional depth, and a timeless sense of style, Tom Reaves Jr. is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of Smooth Jazz. He demonstrates his skills on the guitar while also producing, writing, arranging, and engineering music for his debut album, “Soulful Strut”.

This is a concept driven album. It’s very much about a transitional life journey. It opens with “Soulful Strut” a bouncy uptempo groove that will definitely put a skip in your step. Many people shared positive comments regarding this single release such as “the song could bring out the sun on a rainy day.”

“The Journey” is the 2nd track and absolutely makes you want to take a ride in a convertible with the top down. It puts you in that space. It reminds you of the experiences you may have had on a long journey and the many positive and challenging experiences along the way.

The third track “Brighter Days” is really a positive reinforcement song written during the pandemic with a vocal hook that speaks to better things coming. It features talented vocalist Ms. Shawn Chappelle and Tom sings the hook with her.

The next track “Evergreen Ancestral” is all about the inspiration of connecting with our Ancestors. It captures the feelings of lessons learned from their examples and shared experiences. It features James “Saxsmo” Gates on saxophone.

The album continues with a cover of Deniece Williams' track “Free.” This is Tom’s take on the track which again features vocalist Ms. Shawn Chappelle who slays it. The song also features bassist "Brandon Lane" and Daniel Campos on the flugelhorn.

“Latin Nights” is inspired by just that. It features Ashby Anderson on Piano and his son Drew Anderson on trumpet. These guys kill on the horn arrangement that perfectly compliments Tom's nylon guitar and percussion driven latin groove.

The next track “Breaking Away” is a vocal tune and was the last song written for the album. It is the perfect summary of what the album is all about. It features the incomparable vocals of singer Antonio McClendon who co-wrote the song and plays bass guitar as well. He is a consummate professional from a family of musicians.

The next song is “Moving On” and it’s about those times where you have to move on. It captures that feeling of Moving On from a circumstance, a place, people, a time, etc. It’s another "get to your vehicle or on a flight and leaving some things behind” type song.

The album continues with a cover of the Stylistics song "People Make the World Go Round”. Tom uses his guitar to take you back to that 70's Philly R&B sound of yesteryear. He also sings the hook on the latter part of the song.

The last song on the album is "Goin Home." Tom wrote this song 15 years ago and it's about capturing the peaceful feeling of finally being at home. The song contains most of the original tracks recorded in his home studio. Tom just reworked the drums and orchestration for the new album.

Give Soulful Strut a listen and we are sure the music will take you on a ride through life’s experiences, and lift your spirit. Enjoy the journey!