Guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. continues to make inroads in his solo career after working for years with some of the best performers in contemporary music today. His second CD for Blue Note Still Small Voice shows just how important backup musicians are to bringing out the best in the performer. Here Jackson brings out what he does so well in the fore front and shows why he should be in the spotlight.

Still Small Voice lets Jackson perform in many different situations. The title track lets Jackson work on a smooth groove with backing vocals. On Walkin', Jackson works a funky beat that is infectious. He also works with an expanded group on a remake of The Spinners' song It's a Shame.

On thing that is different on Still Small Voice is that Paul Jackson Jr. divided the CD into two sections. The first section features a normal selection of songs. The second portion has four tracks that feature a park theme where Jackson takes us through the various experiences he had in various parks. Athens Park brings us the quiet feeling of just enjoying nature, Crystal Park gives us the feeling of the fun times spent with that special someone and Sportsman Park brings us the playful times spent with children.

Paul Jackson Jr. gets some of smooth jazz' best to help him come out front. Jeff Lorber and Brian Culbertson help co-produce some of the tracks and Gerald Albright, Sheila E., Harvey Mason, Ricky Peterson, Billy Preston and Patrice Rushen along with many others help back Jackson. Still Small Voice brings out Paul Jackson Jr.'s big heart and make him what he is all along, a great guitarist. Still Small Voice is one big CD.