"I wanted to create something that would encompass a wide spectrum of directions: solo, standards, originals, electronic, acoustic and orchestral. I wanted to make a recording that would reflect where I am at this moment in my life, and something I am proud to present to my fans." ~ Earl Klugh ~

True to his word, multi-Grammy winner, Earl Klugh made his conception into fruition with this latest offering from one of the best guitarists ever, "The Spice of Life," a beautiful album that contains thirteen tracks. It is more of a showcase of his original compositions and a few notable standards each rendered in an eloquently tasteful manner. The lush orchestrations of a fine arranger/conductor and also a multi-Grammy winner, Don Sebesky, can be heard on my top three favorites from this set; the smooth and breezy "Canadian Sunset," a gorgeous French classic, "C'est Si Bon" and a charming all-time gem of a tune, "My Foolish Heart."

From among his original compositions marked by pleasing harmonic chords, I so enjoyed the opener "Ocean Blue," "Morning In Rio," "Driftin'" and "Venezuelan Nights," a tribute to one of his favorite classical guitarists/composers, Antonio Lauro from Venezuela whose transcriptions truly impressed Klugh when he was young. In addition, Klugh reinvents and revives a rarely recorded Thelonious Monk melody "Bye Ya" with a new groove that shows off his skilled guitar riffs.

This recording will surely give a delightful listening adventure not only to fans of Earl Klugh, but also to anyone who appreciates lovely guitar music and a talented musician such as Mr. Klugh.

With my heartfelt recommendation. You'll love it as much as I do.

This is the first album of Earl Klugh's I've heard. I'm really enjoying it. Some pieces are warm, sunny, and optimistic; others are intimate, tender, and emotional. All are beautiful.

For Earl Klugh fans it's been 9 long years since his last "full production" CD, Peculiar Situation. Spice of Life is a welcome and thoroughly enjoyable return. There are three main reasons for this:

1. This CD highlights and features Earl's clean and melodic guitar work instead of a lot of solos by other instrumentalists (sorry saxophone lovers - there's nothing for you on this one), and the non-guitar solos that are on this (mostly keyboard and flute) are well placed and non-distracting.
2. It sounds like Earl is very present and enjoying his playing on this recording (the cover photo seems to illustrate this). As a very long time fan of Earl's it's delightful to hear this almost intangible element come through so clearly.
3. There's a nice mixture of styles and genres on this CD but the songs transition smoothly (which is tough to pull off).

Regarding the last point, this CD features a few classic Earl upbeat originals (Ocean Blue, Sleepyhead, Morning in Rio), a couple nice ballads (Driftin', Heart of My Life), a playful alternate version (or vice versa) of Heart of My Life (Lucy's World), a couple beautiful solo guitar numbers (Venezuelan Nights, The Toy Guitar), four well crafted and orchestrated "oldies" (Canadian Sunset, C'est Si Bon, My Foolish Heart and a Brazilian stylized rendition of Monk's Bye Ya), and even a little funk (Snap!). There isn't a nicer combination of the various styles Earl has become known for in one recording.

For those unfamiliar with Earl Klugh this is an excellent introduction to his amazing catalogue of music and a very welcome return for any fan. It's great to have you back, Earl!

Great album, love the diversity. Would have loved some saxes doubling on some of the melodies though as the nylon string guitar came across a little thin on some tracks. Nice one.

I have been listening to Earl Klugh since the mid seventies. He has a distinct style of playing the guitar. His music gets better within each passing year. I enjoyed this album immensely.