Reach For The Sky

Flutist Alexander Zonjic offers a strong mix of familiar pop songs and original material served in a great contemporary jazz setting on Reach for the Sky. Zonjic, who toured with Bob James for nearly ten years, extends his flute playing beyond the classical realm and brings its woodwind magic to a point where listeners can accept its resonant qualities in a smooth jazz context. The lyrically pensive yet soaring title track, his lightly grooving cover of Carole King's classic ballad "It's Too Late," Zonjic's breezy take on Bob James' "Angela (Theme From Taxi)," and the unique reading of the Beatles' "Hard Day's Night" form the most memorable songs on the CD. Kirk Whalum, Chuck Mangione, Jeff Lorber, and Kevyn Lettau all contributed significant compositions, but the approach and direction on Reach for the Sky reflects Alexander Zonjic's profound musical philosophy and songs listeners can connect to. This CD picks up where his 1993 recording, titled Passion, left off. While the latter spotlighted several musical styles and periods, Reach for the Sky pushes new limits and places a new instrument — the flute — at the forefront of the smooth style of jazz.