Rush Hour, Bryan Savage's third release for the Higher Octave label, is a highly, melodic, funk-drenched exercise in hip and cool that stems from his relocation to Colorado from California. The title conjures up his hectic commute between the states during his production of this 11-track release. Working with his core band of guitarist Howard Arthur, keyboardist Dave Hanson, bassist Chris Engelman, and drummer Larry Thompson, their eight-year association has the same international impact that their well-deserved successes, Cat Food and Soul Temptation, have had. They play a sensual cover of "Sunny," the very ambient groove-inflected "Scenic Route," followed by a folksy, flute-driven "Wind River" and the acid jazz title track "Rush Hour." Savage plays a great West Coast groove with an excellent flute lead on "Zuma Beach," which captures the lively, natural atmosphere of the seaside on a great day. As an added attraction, listeners are treated to a shuffle groove remix of "Coral Princess" by the group 3rd Force. Bryan Savage's unforgettable combination of smooth jazz sax and flute playing along with his new assertion playing with the Protools on this CD makes for great listening of his explosive style. ~ Paula Edelstein, Rovi
