Paul Thomas Yoder - Hot Jazz Infused With Energy & Passion!

Larry A. Detwiler, Jazz Improv Magazine
Jazz Improv's New York Jazz Guide, Jan. 2007 (pg. 81/82)


When asked to name some of his favorite musicians, Paul Thomas Yoder mentioned among others: Rick Braun, Chris Botti, Maynard Ferguson, Miles Davis, and the Rippingtons, and when you listen to him play, none of these come as a surprise. The real surprise, and treat, is when he sings. Yoder is truly a gifted and talented trumpeter, but is equally impressive as a vocalist. I would enjoy listening to a CD of this West Coast musician on either trumpet or vocals, but when in combination it is truly a wonderful musical experience. Then add in the wide of array of musical styles presented in this CD, from smooth jazz, ballad & fusion, and the return of some great pop/rock hits of the '80's', and you end up with a must have recording.

The title track "Dreamin'", originally done by guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, tells the tale of a dream about finding your true love. This rock ballad is unique in it's use of Spanish style guitar playing throughout and the wonderful vocal work of Yoder. It is not a stretch to imagine this selection in the repertoire of any top 40 artist. Yoder turns to the trumpet for "Sadness" and supplies the inspiring, soulful, and even mysterious melody line one would expect from a selection with this title. The effects that are added by the guitar and synth parts truly bring this work to the musical edge. The 80's pop/rock tune "True Faith" marks the first time Yoder expands out into extended solo sections, and he impresses with his agility and range as he exchanges aggressive passages with the guitar.

The next two selections pay homage to trumpeters that seem to have influenced the style of Yoder. Allen Vizzutti's soothing "Black Cat, Black Hat" allows Yoder to demonstrate a lush, controlled tone that is simply a joy to listen to. Maynard Ferguson's "Walkin' On The Pier" features Yoder both vocally and on trumpet. Yoder once again impresses with his vocal prowess and demonstrates outstanding finger dexterity during the quick moving solo passages.

The only original on the CD, "Cruisin' 4-A Fusion", comes from the name of Yoder's working band. This selection has a great rock/fusion groove to it. If this is representative of Yoder's potential as a composer he needs to keep writing as much as possible!

The final three tracks return us to a musical period that obviously influenced and was greatly enjoyed by Yoder - the 80's. Wang Chung's "Hypnotize" takes on a new life in the muted trumpet of Yoder in unison with the synth. There are also some nice guitar licks that one would expect of music from this period and style. Stevie Nick's "Stand Back" represents, in my opinion, some of Yoder's best playing of this CD, not necessarily from a technical standpoint, but in the terms of a clear, majestic tone with just the perfect amount of edge. On the final selection, Mister Mister's "Broken Wings", Yoder demonstrates great tone quality and pitch as he vocalizes a very convincing remediation of this hit. I just wish he would have reached for his trumpet for a chorus or two. His style of playing would have been a perfect match for this selection.

Some people consider listening to jazz to be a deeply intellectual experience, and in some cases I would agree. This CD is quite the opposite. Listening to Yoder is just for the pure enjoyment of experiencing his vocal and trumpet talents, and remembering some of the great hits of a past musical time. My guess is you will enjoy this CD as much as I did, especially if you are a fan of trumpet and/or the smooth jazz genre. I'm going back right now to listen again - and I probably will many more times this week alone!