Kim Waters
What I Like
Album · Jazz · 2018
While alto and soprano sax continue to be Kim Waters’ calling card, it’s worth noting that the Atlanta artist plays all instruments (with a small handful of exceptions) on his recent recordings—including What I Like, which continues his long run on Shanachie. Waters’ 360-degree musicianship and production chops are strong here, as is his soulful feel and his connection to contemporary pop. The album takes its title from a spirited cover of Bruno Mars’ “That’s What I Like”. Maxwell’s “Sumthin’ Sumthin’” and The Isley Brothers’ “Voyage to Atlantis” get a similar groove-intensive treatment. Waters’ originals are invitingly melodic, from the grittier R&B/dance rhythms of “Pocket Science” to the alluring harmonic progressions of “Fire and Spice” and “Walking on Air”.