Smoothjazz.com Review – West Coast Groove posted by on October 11, 2012

Reviewer: Scott O’Brien

Take some beautifully-played jazz guitar from the Wes Montgomery school, team it up with first-rate sidemen and guest artists like Eric Marienthal, Michael Paulo, Mark Visher and Tim Redfield, and you have yourself the makings of one fine Smooth Jazz disc.

That is exactly what Mark Carter’s second release, WEST COAST GROOVE is all about.  Nine sparkling originals (“Party On The Pier” has already garnered significant airplay on Smooth Jazz radio) and two classy covers (Carol King’s “Jazzman” and the Norah Jones hit, “Don’t Know Why”) bring a laid-back yet vibrant West Coast energy to this entire collection of tunes, each one of which has that “So Cal” feel to it.  Check out “Santa Monica Sunsets” or “Midnight in the Marina” and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about here.

Mark’s been playing his Gibson 335 electric guitar for over 25 years, and is well-known in the L.A. area, having gigged with the likes of Smooth Jazzers Al Jarreau and Dave Koz, and appearing live on a regular basis from Pasadena to Seal Beach, from Palm Desert to Marina Del Rey.

He’s also been the long-time guitarist for Orangy County’s famed Crystal Cathedral, having played there with David Foster, Glenn Campbell, Roger Williams, and Lee Greenwood.

Do yourself a favor and check out this latest release from Mark Carter.  I’m betting that he’ll become one of your favorites once you get into his WEST COAST GROOVE!

Leave a Reply