Higher Octave casts a spell with their opening track "YOUNG AGAIN", featuring Tom Scott (sax), Greg Carmichael (nylon guitar), Grant Geissman (electric guitar/sitar), Mile Gilderdale (of Acoustic Alchemy on guitar) and Rebecca Carlish ~ dish out smooth portions of creamy textured genre with hints of sensual spices.

This their sixth release ~ "Gentle Force", combines three talented musicians William

One cue stands above the rest ~ "JOURNEY TO NOW", captures the theme of Arabian Nights, haunting vibes flow endlessly through the night air giving you peace from within, but the highlight has to be "GRATEFUL FOR LOVE", with 3rd Force newest addition Rebecca Carlish on vocal is extra smooth, not to mention a soulful cry of inner feelings from Jimmy Sommers on a floating melodic sax.

Less we not forget other musicians that left their mark on this CD ~ Mitch Manker(flugel horn)~Richard Hardy(flute)~Gerlando Compilati(congas)~David Thomas(additional keyboard)~Douglas Spotted Eagle(native flute) ~ each incorporating ethnic tones that give this release a special place in our ever growing collection.

Would put this right up there with 3rd Force fourth album "Force Field"(1999) ~ if you enjoyed this, why not sample "Collective Force"(2000), also from Higher Octave and 3rd Force, both albums are certainly worthy of a good listen, gotta love it!

Total Time: 58:19 on 10 Tracks ~ Higher Octave HOMCD-12087 ~ (2002)

This truly is 3rd Force's most "gentle" album up to now. Although somewhat eclectic at times ("Journey to Now", for example), this album is quite pleasing. There are instances where I forget I'm listening to a 3rd Force CD, but the trumpet/piano chords bring me back to 3rd Force's usual masse with frequency. I find the change in their music progressive, innovative, and probably good for the future of the band. It's nice to hear Jimmy Sommers working with 3rd Force for a change (verses his recent efforts to sound hip with Genuine and Coolio... What gives, Jimmy???). As usual, you can expect a lot of tracks with Brian Hughes, which on previous albums I found repetetive and somewhat monotonous. However, Hughes' presence on "Gentle Force" is somewhat subdued and melancholy; a pleasant change for Brian. This is by far the most mellow of their albums. If you want a fun ride, try "Force Field."

Excellent product and we love the music. I purchased these CD to give to other people who are so happy with the product.

I have a lot of smooth jazz CDs, but I have to say that this is my favorite. If you are wanting a smooth CD to play while relaxing, reading, or taking a long, hot bath, this is the one for you. I play it while I work (I'm a transcriptionist and work out of my home). Even the most frustrating job is easier with this music playing in the background.

Too gentle? Should have listened to the sample tracks before committing. Too bad too sad. Are all artists to remain the same with their compositions? The fact that 3rd Force remains committed to constant change is what makes them so outstanding!My opinion? This CD is a true mix of their original roots to where they have progressed to. The "Journey to Now" is the culmination - to this point. So cool that a group isn't afraid of committing to the Truth. Every being ever born and ever will be born is on this Journey. Love is all there Is!

Aloha