Making Love, Vol. 1

Album Review

With the exception of one record, John Klemmer had not recorded as a leader in 17 years when he cut this atmospheric CD. Actually, his sound and style had not changed much from the days when he recorded superior and popular mood music. On this set, Klemmer probably plays all of the instruments which include tenor, synthesizer, keyboards, some electronic efforts (including adding the sound of rain and quiet thunder) and narrating his poem, "Making Love," twice. Whether the guitar, bass, drums and percussion are played by Klemmer on synth or by other unidentified musicians is not mentioned. Klemmer's tone sounds strong and romantic (a bit reminiscent of Stan Getz) but he does not stretch much at all during this project. The results are meant to be background music and, on that level, this outing succeeds. It's available through Chicago Records www.chirecords.com, and Klemmer's own Touch Records (at www.johnklemmer.com).