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‚My new album is about the new directions my music is taking,‘ Darius states with excitement. ‚When I started writing for this project, my goal was to create an album that would appeal to everyone, including the younger demographic. Being that most people from my generation are not exposed to jazz, I’ve incorporated elements from various genres, such as hip hop, R&B, and pop, into my music, giving them something to relate to. Te trade off is, I hope that it will inspire them to listen to more jazz and embrace this kind of music. I want to open listeners’ ears and expose them to a hybrid of sounds by offering them jazz from a new stylistic approach.‘ Addressing the album’s aggressive title and marketing slogan, Darius adds, ‚’Goin’ All Out’ is one of the first songs I wrote for this CD. I believe that it sets the tone for the whole album and reflects who I am both as a musician and songwriter.‘


Living in Tampa, Florida, Eric has exceptional access to the cutting edge of pop sounds, considering the vibrant mix of Latin and African-American traditions and trends simmering and mixing there. ‚I pay attention to pop radio and go to clubs just to see what people are listening to,‘ Darius shares. ‚It gives me a lot of inspiration, and also helps me to be aware of what’s relevant in today’s music. For example, one of my new songs, ‚Feelin‘ Da Rhythm,‘ has a reggaeton/dancehall type of feel—a new flavor and sound that most smooth jazz listeners are probably not too familiar with. Being that both of my parents are from the Caribbean islands, I grew up


listening to this kind of music. I am really excited about trying different things on this album, and hope that everyone will enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it.‘


From the opening tune ‚Just Like Tat,‘ which features a galvanizing assault of saxophone, organ, and crashing beats galore, Eric plays with the tasteful mix of a fiery 21st century Junior Walker and the ageless grace of Grover Washington, Jr.—ever-mindful of jazz’s roots as music made for partying ‘til the break of dawn. Other songs on the album, such as the sonic daydream of ‚Unconditional,‘ the double up beats of ‚Vibe with Me,‘ and the infectious bass-dominated groove of ‚Ain’t No Doubt About It,‘ demonstrates Darius’ new directions and signature style. ‚We gave these songs the grooves and feel of what is heard on the radio today,‘ Eric shares, ‚sweet hooks and melodies on top of really cool drum beats.‘


PHOTOGRAPHY: JEFF SCIORTINO


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