Drawn Windows

The veteran, Detroit-based drummer Keefe Marzell has worked with some of the top names in smooth jazz (Bob James, Kirk Whalum) and gospel (Commissioned), and brings elements of both into this easygoing, old-school (hence the song title "Vintage") R&B-influenced smooth date. As the guy laying the foundation, Marzell surrounds himself with some of his adopted hometown's best players for Drawn Windows. The gospel-tinged funky breezes of "More Is Pleasure" (a takeoff on the name of co-writer Morris Pleasure) surround the lush keyboard melody by Marcus Abernathy. The wordless vocal singalong "Now & Forever" beautifully blends the church element with exotic Latin and Brazilian flavors. Abernathy — who also plays the lush lead on the hypnotic, trippy, effects-laden "Never Learn to Swim" — co-wrote the laid-back, retro-vibing "Vintage," featuring the slick electric work of well-known guitarist Tim Bowman. Perhaps just to remind you — among all the throwbacks to the '70s touches — that you're smack in the 2000s, Marzell whips up the crazy, percussion heavy jazz/rap tune "New Jazz Swing," that stands out in both its innovation but also, in a slightly negative way, as a distraction from the more engaging in-the-pocket material.