Brian Culbertson Album - It's on Tonight

There is a well-known and anticipated moment during every Brian Culbertson concert when the keyboardist discreetly asks the members of his band to turn their backs to the crowd. The leader then bows his head at the electric piano and plays a seductive theme. He offers the audience this intimate moment to kindle romance, hoping to send them home in a state of blissful anticipation with the thought, "Baby, it's on tonight."

Culbertson has turned that fleeting concert highlight into a 12-song seduction suite that marks his eighth album and GRP Records debut, It's On Tonight. Dripping in sensuality, the album consists of all-original material, including three vocal pieces: the flirtatious title track (f/ Will Downing), the spirited "Love Will Never Let You Down" (f/ Patti Austin) and the bold "Wear it Out" (f/ Marc Nelson, lyricist of three numbers on the CD and a member of Babyface's protigi vocal group, Az Yet). Culbertson also hand-picked three of smooth jazz's most sensitive horn players to lend their singular auras to the vibe at hand: saxophonists Boney James and Kirk Whalum, and trumpeter Chris Botti. As always, Culbertson produced the album, collaborating on seven of the songs with his frequent creative partner Stephen Lu.

Review - Amazon.com :

The phrase "It’s On Tonight," is a catch-word leading to nocturnal negotiations. On this, his seventh CD as a leader, the Illinois-born keyboardist Brian Culberston composed a 12-song "seduction suite," designed to inspire moonlight maneuvers--legal or illicit. His cohorts in carnal knowledge and crime include several vocalists: Will Downing's impassioned baritone imbues the zesty title track. The always awesome Patti Austin graces "Love Will Never Let You Down," and Marc Nelson lends his poetic pipes to the straightforward "Wear it Out." Saxophonists Boney James and Kirk Whalum lend their silken improvisations to the mix, along with the Milesian musings of trumpeter Chris Botti. Culbertson’s musicality obviously speaks the language of the radio-friendly smooth jazz variety, albeit laced with the influences of Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, and Tower of Power. In this idiom, the groove rules, and Culbertson and company ride them like pros. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Customer review - 2006-03-13

- Wonderfully Romantic

'It's On Tonight' is the third Brian Culbertson album I've bought. And it's also the one I like the most and play the most. The album is quiet at times,upbeat at times,sensual at times and romatic all the time. It's a perfect album for quiet intimate evenings with someone you love. While you drink a bottle of champagne or wine in a cozy environment. Like in front of a fireplace or having a romantic dinner for two. With songs like the upbeat 'Let's Get Started' to the sleepy laid back 'Dreaming Of You' on to the flirtatious 'Wear It Out' and on to the softness of 'Touch Me'. Brian Culbertson is certainty doing his share to bring the sexes together. Along with Mr. Culbertson on this album are guess stars Will Downing,Boney James,Chris Botti,Patti Austin and Kirk Whalum. All giving Brian Culbertson a hand in puting these sweet sounds together. I think this may be Brian Culbertson best work todate. This is one beautiful album. And a must have for the romantic in you. With this album in hand,Who needs Cupid?

Customer review - 2005-10-24

- The title speaks for itself!!!!!!!!! Just as Brian mentioned on his page!!

This Cd to me is by far the BEST by Brian yet. I LOVE his music and I have all of his albums; and "It's On Tonight" is just as we say in the south, "IS OFF THE CHAIN!!!!" With 5 stars being the highest, its still not enough to rate; needs to be 10! If you like slow jazz, then Brain Culbertson's "It's on tonight" is a MUST HAVE!!!!!! Light some candles, get with your mate, with a nice glass of fine Cognac; play this CD, and it is sure to be a romantic evening!

Customer review - 2005-10-21

- So Smooth!!!!!

You know when you have a great cd playing in your car when you can't seem to stop smiling. That is exactly what Brian's New Cd does to you. It makes you feel good. I love this cd and I believe it is his best to date. "Touch Me" is absolutely awesome. I'd recommend anyone that likes to sit back and close their eyes and leave on a journey, to get your Brian cd now and enjoy the ride. Thanks Brian!

Customer review - 2005-10-19

- Oooh, you have to say

Without question, this is Brian Culbertson's best work to date. He remains one of the few jazz artists' whose melodies allow you to listen to each track, and although there will be particular favorites, there is no need to skip from track to track because only 3 to 4 tracks are worth listening to. He recently performed in Raleigh, NC, along with Euge Groove and Pieces Of A Dream, and he is absolutely worth the price of admission. He has so much character, and his love for his gift...oops, excuse me, gifts, because he played the trombone as well that night, comes through so passionately, it was such a wonderful way to spend the evening. Married couples will certainly benefit from him, and the flow this particular cd brings. Enjoy.

Derrick T. Roberson

Customer review - 2005-10-18

- Hasn't lost a touch

I just listened to samples of the songs on the CD and I loved it. Brian Culbertson has managed to keep his sound and while producing great new tracks. This CD does have alot more slow jams though. So if you are looking for upbeat there are just a few. However, I did get the feeling that the music was a little too synthesized sounding. But its still great. Congratulations on a great CD Brian.

List of Brian Culbertson albums

Brian Culbertson Album - It's on Tonight