Throughout a fascinating, ever-evolving career that’s seen JJ Sansaverino share stages with the likes of Maceo Parker, Randy Brecker and The Marley Family and perform at Sit Paul McCartney’s 2002 wedding, the multi-talented guitarist has been rightly acclaimed as “Benson Meets Santana.”
Sometimes such comparisons are just hype to grab attention, but in JJ’s case, he’s proven himself to be the real deal since releasing his debut album Sunshine After Midnight in 2005. Setting the perfect optimistic tone to start 2022, he powerfully and artfully fuses both influences on his latest, Latin fired, horn drenched single “Miami,” the follow up to his 2021 #1 Billboard breakthrough smash “Style and Elegance.” After an intro pairing jangling electric guitar and sizzling brass accents,
JJ rocks and rolls with a crisp, buoyant and danceable melody over a tasty, snappy funk groove created by drummer Jay Williams and the exotic hypnosis of Danny Sadownick’s percussion. The track breezes along like a witty, cheerful conversation between JJ’s crackling, melodic lines and the ever-present horns led by trumpeter Jonathan Powell.
In addition to being a dynamic showcase for JJ’s guitarisma and passion for Latin jazz, the track offers a whimsical spotlight for pianist West Byrd, who adds a sparkling improvisational solo that takes the track to an even more transcendent level. Make your next smooth jazz destination “Miami”!