Tim May

Long after he established himself as a premier session musician, Tim May made his solo debut in 1998 with One Piece of the Big Picture. May enlisted a diversely talented set of musicians -- including Ernie Watts, Mike Lang, Harvey Mason, Warren Luening, Abe Laboriel, Bob Zimmitti and Chuck Berghofer -- to record the album. With such a great array of talent on board, it's a little disappointing that the record often bogs down in slick smooth-jazz grooves, but it has to be said that May stands head and shoulders above many of his contemporary jazz peers for one simple reason: he may have the production and sound of smooth jazz, but he improvises like a jazz musician. There are long solos from both the guitarist and his colleagues all through the album. Often, these solos are more compelling than the songs themselves, and they are what makes One Piece of the Big Picture worth a listen. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide