Make It Work! (2009)

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Who would have ever conceived the notion of musicians, whether relatively unknown or established, showing off their talents on an outlet like The Weather Channel.  Well, just ask musician/songwriter Jeanne Ricks, whose instrumental smooth jazz/Latin dance flavored "Simple Pleasures" won her the unusual honor of landing on WC’s collection of favorite tracks featured on the popular "Local on the 8’s" segment.   Ricks was amongst superb company as The Weather Channel’s Best of Smooth Jazz project also featured jazz veterans Chick Corea and Jeff Lorber.   She certainly has earned the respect of her peers as evidenced in her songs being played by fellow jazz guitarist George Benson and featured in director Frances Ford Coppola’s film Assassination Tango.  Yet her biggest platform continues to be her sweet instrumental interludes during "Local on the 8’s," including the title track to her latest CD – Make It Work!

Just like her previous two independent discs from her Rickso Facto Music label, Make It Work! mixes Ricks’ soft sultry vocals and crisp guitar solos that blend Latin, jazz and R&B styles.  There is no doubt that The Weather Channel’s music programmers once again could have a field day with the attractive rhythms of several of the instrumental selections.   But with or without television exposure during rainstorms or tornados, Make It Work! delivers some sweet jazz noise. 

Notable Tracks:  Make It Work! Dreaming Is Believing, Wishing Tree, In One Breath, War & Insufficient Peace, Now’s The Time, Dark Angel

Vocals: 2.5 stars
Lyrics: 2.0 stars
Music: 3.5 stars
Production: 3.0 stars
SoulTracks Call:  Recommended

By Peggy Oliver

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