The Spice Of Life

Smooth jazz guitarist Earl Klugh's SPICE OF LIFE shows that he hasn't lost any of his mellow flair. Plus, he's learned a thing or two. SPICE reflects the influence of Latin American classical and pop music forms, as Klugh alternates lush orchestration and unaccompanied solo guitar. Variety, in this case, is the SPICE OF LIFE--Klugh effortlessly mixes straight-up jazz (a Thelonious Monk classic getting a Brazilian makeover), romantic R&B, chilled-out balladry, pop, and a touch of funk.