Making a path up and down the jazz scene nowadays continues to be a hit or miss proposition. With limited airplay available, coupled with fewer and fewer opportunities to hear jazz of any type, many connoisseurs often choose to take a chance and just dive into the fray of the unknown. Even that approach can be a daunting experience at various times in the midst of all the chaos; however, the one underlying factor continues to be jazz in all of its flavors. For over 100 years, the pursuit of jazz has watched numerous artists emerge above the pack as trendsetters. At the other end of that spectrum, are an even greater number of would-be innovators receiving little if any notoriety. But as the second century of jazz starts to unfold, the jazz world will begin to see another group of musicians such as Brian Culbertson come into their own as one of a new generation of phenomenal musicians.

With a career spanning more than 8 years of jazz, Brian has decidedly become a driving force in the genre of smooth jazz. As a multi-instrumentalist, his career began obstensively as a 20-year old college student making commercial soundtracks for major corporations. In 1994, he jump started his status of becoming a jazz musician by recording and producing his first CD entitled 'Long Night Out'. That album ultimately jumped into the Top 5 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Chart. From there, Brian Culbertson has continued to improve upon what has become an extremely popular stint as one of jazz's most successful talents. With six CD's behind him, Brian has recently released his 7th CD for the Warner Bros. Record Label entitled 'Come On Up.' As always, Culbertson's close attention to detail plays a vital role in making this latest personal sagas another monumental encounter of the best kind.

This time out, Brian and his band of merry men that includes Marcus Miller, Rick Braun, Steve Cole and David Sanborn to name a few, drive a formula that has worked continuously from the onset. Culbertson adds spice to 'Come On Up' with the inclusion of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a feat seldom seen in any jazz setting by the standards currently in place today. Through twelve tracks of strategically placed influences, Brian provides a healthy mix of unique covers, R&B infused vocals, dynamic bass encounters and a few emotionally soothing melodies. Another interesting tidbit attached to 'Come On Up' is Brian Culbertson's ability to stay connected to himself. As seen in previous releases, there is a strong sense of self included on this CD. In other words, he does not compromise his creativity for the sake of universal acceptance. When exploring the many facets of jazz, 'Come On Up' sets the tone for another remarkable achievement towards realizing what a quality smooth jazz recording can be about.