"Up Close & Personal" with C-Jazz Saxophonist "Sam Rucker"

Saxman Sam Rucker, come on down! You’re the next prospective big performer on the contemporary jazz scene.  Truly an artist with finesse and character, Rucker steps out with hissophomore release Tell You Something on the heels of his 2011 Heat From the Heavens debut. Mixing some tight hip hop tanginess with the tasty sauce of smooth and the inspirational and energetic touch of gospel, Rucker is looking for it all in one fell swoop…and he can easily get it all with material like that found on this masterfully produced album.

Working with the likes of Norman Connors, Bobby Lyle, Tom Browne, Alyson Williams, and Euge Groove (Euge is handling the mixing and mastering at his Groove House for this one), the saxman saunters through cover grooves like “Footsteps in the Dark,” “You Are My Starship,” and “Before I Let Go,” along with striking originals like the catchy, sassy mid-tempo lead and title track that immediately captures the essence of the man and his love for this music.  You can bet Sam Rucker is not a name you are likely to forget any time soon.

Ronald Jackson

The Smooth Jazz Ride