Paula Atherton, Dancin’ Shoes Review

Paula Atherton’s latest offering, Dancin’ Shoes, released on April 19, 2024, under Dream On Records, is Atherton’s sixth studio effort, with eleven songs that beautifully blend jazz with Latin, R&B, and soul influences, offering a unique and intriguing musical journey.

From the first notes of “Baila,” Atherton’s flute mastery sets a high bar. The track is an exhilarating opener with up-tempo Latin jazz rhythms that showcase an intricate call-and-response between Atherton and her band. This piece does more than just start the album—it invites listeners into a festive realm where each melody promises a story.

“Inside Out & Backwards” and “Keep it Comin'” further display Atherton’s impressive versatility. In “Inside Out & Backwards,” the mid-tempo funk is enriched by a catchy saxophone hook that dances over a robust rhythmic foundation. “Keep it Comin'” offers a classic, smooth jazz groove, where Atherton’s alto saxophone articulates each note with a blend of bebop intricacies and smooth jazz stylings, showcasing her technical skill and deep musical understanding.

Atherton’s vocal talents shine in “Give Me A Reason,” a soulful ballad that emphasizes her expressive singing. This track highlights her vocal ability and skill in creating an intimate and compelling musical environment. Similarly, the album’s title track, “Dancin’ Shoes,” set to a medium-up funky beat, proves irresistible, living up to its name with rhythms that beckon listeners to the dance floor.

The production on Dancin’ Shoes is pristine, with each instrument finding its place in a well-balanced mix. The album’s richness is further enhanced by collaborations with various producers, including Lou Gimenez, and the contributions of seasoned musicians like Kevin Bowden on drums and Cindy Bradley on trumpet and trombone. These collaborations enrich the sonic landscape, ensuring that each track resonates with clarity and depth, inviting the audience to immerse themselves in the music.

Atherton’s work can be compared to contemporaries like Candy Dulfer or Dave Koz, yet she brings her unique twist to the jazz genre, blending instrumental virtuosity with accessible melodies that appeal to jazz aficionados and casual listeners. The album reflects technical expertise but also resonates with themes of joy and celebration—much-needed sentiments in today’s world.

Atherton’s Dancin’ Shoes is a brilliant example of smooth jazz that respects the genre’s roots while showing Atherton’s blend of emotional depth, technical excellence, and broad appeal. This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of smooth jazz. Atherton’s ability to weave her singing and playing into a classic and enjoyable music set ensures that Dancin’ Shoes will grab your attention. Whether you are a longtime smooth jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Paula Atherton’s latest album promises an experience that is as enriching as it is enjoyable.