Ray West — Live From The Bird's Nest...

In 2012 Ray West releases this instrumental album under his label Red Apples 45. The effort is opened by a skit on a light jazzy rhythm, and anticipates "Crazy 'Bout Ya", a light and circular jazzy beat with a looped soul sample tight in background. Skit that opens the third cut, beautiful regular, simple, essential jazzy production, with a splendid soulful female sample looped tight in the background.

"Lovers Suite" features a nice simple jazzy beat, with bare clapping and a catchy female soul sample looped tight in background, good rhythm. The next song presents a simple rhythm composed by a solo of high flute. "Walk on By" has a delightful soulful sample looped in background from the eponymous iconic classic song by Dionne Warwick, on a simple jazzy rhythm with snapping and lively and syncopated drum machine. Highlights of the tape.

A skit follows which is a prelude to "On the Corner": bare and light drum machine, light jazzy rhythm with eccentric piano and male soul sample looped tight in the background. Short skit with bongos for a few seconds, then light jazzy interlude with female soul sample looped tight in background and a concluding skit.

"She's on Another Planet" is the most extravagant tune dared by Ray West here: tight rhythm, lively and minimal drum machine, tight looped female sample, sci-fi attempt that personally he succeeded in half. "Groove 4 Your Born Day" presents a light, circular, essential rhythm, light and minimal drum machine. Short skit, then jazzy interlude with a soulful male sample looped tight in background, light, essential, simple production.

"Yesterday" is a simple jazzy interlude, light, essential rhythm, with a soulful sample looped tight in background. The next song, "Give Me the Time", comes after three interludes / skits: light, simple, almost ethereal, beautiful jazzy vibes, gives it value a deep and spot on female soulful sample, looped tight in background, nice beat, sin Ray West gives it just a minute and a little more. Closes, "American Dream", bonus track.

Rating: 6/10.