In comparison to his previous release, Nice & Slow, Brian Culbertson's latest, Come on Up could also be called "Fast & Funky." This CD moves away from the predominantly soothing melodies of Nice to incorporate more horns ("Serpentine Fire," an instrumental remake of the Earth, Wind, & Fire hit, and "Funky B") and thumping bass lines ("Midnight") to go along with Culbertson's signature piano melodies. For those like me who were converted to Culbertson by Nice & Slow, "Last Night" is a gentle, flowing song that reminds one of the style of his previous release and "Days Gone By" is reminiscent of the steamy "I Could Get Used To This." As for outstanding performance, the title track "Come On Up" weaves Culbertson's infectious piano melodies with Norman Brown's stellar guitar segments to stand out as the highlight of this CD.

Other notable efforts include "Our Love," a piano ballad written for Culbertson's wedding, and the bouncy "Fly High," the only song that incorporates any vocals--and that only a chorus--and features background vocals slightly distorted through a talk box.

Overall, Brian Culbertson's Come On Up is more funky than romantic, but has enough of both to satisfy everyone.

Just bought BC latest cd "come on up". I have everything Brian Culbertson has recorded.I have everything Norman has recorded.But I can't remember hearing the two together,until now.Let's say the introduction is simply dynamite!!! That cd is jammed packed with smooth jazz superstars.Marcus Miller,Rick Braun,Norman Brown,and up an coming Chicago saxman,Steve Cole. The results, a super,super cd. I must have played it a gazillion times before I turned it off. can't get enough. Like the previous reviews,I'm having trouble picking my favorite cut. I'll list 3."midnight","Last night", and the title tract,"come on up" featuring Norman Brown. The whole cd is brilliant.5 thumbs up. Joe Payne.Houston,TX

This man is no joke! With each outing he gets funkier and funkier. I am a huge fan...so I may be biased. I popped the cd in my car and actually sat in front of my house shaking my head in disbelief. It's hard to go wrong with backing from such notables as the one and only Marcus Miller, Norman Brown, Tony Maiden...I'm old enough to remember when he played with Rufus featuring Chaka Khan. He didn't open the gate politely begging for us to pay attention. He jumped out the gate! It's a nice mix and one that will be in rotation for many days to come. I was really very pleasantly surprised that he chose to remake Serpentine Fire. I appreciate the fact that he takes his craft seriously and is always at the top of his game. Come On Up. It's a party you won't soon forget!

This album sums up the approach that most artists are beginning to take in the smooth jazz scene. Lets funk it up man! This cd has reached number one in the smooth jazz charts and without a doubt its probably album of the year. There is not one dull track, each one beaming with enthusiasm and an array of special guests. Steve Cole plays brilliantly on the opening track, and Marcus Miller wows you with stunning bass playing in MIDNIGHT which is the strongest track. An up tempo cd which you will never get bored of. Go out and buy it!

I went to see BC at the Dave Koz and friends concert in SF on 12-6-03. Unbelieveable........I could not take my eyes off BC. He puts on a very good high energy show and can play the keyboards/piano like nobody's business. I purchased the cd for $10.00 bucks on Satuday and I haven't listended to anything else sense. For such a young guy, he has a lot of talent. I am a fan for life and I do plan to ask Santa for the older cd's for XMAS.

Before Saturday I wasn't a listener of instrumental music, but now I find myself listening to all the instruments that the artist is playing.

Lisa