"The results are in - you were all over our most played list of faves for 2007."
Highlights included:
#28 cd and a top 50 track: "Without Your Love."
I guess it "Don't Get No Better" than that! (quoting the title of the CD)
Details at www.jazzlynx.net/mostplayed/2007.html
Saxophonist Patrick Lamb and percussionist Patsy Meyer spent much of 2006 on separate tours backing, among others, Bobby Caldwell and Norman Brown. Now, as one of the very few smooth jazz duos, they are side by side and in the spotlight with their debut album 'Don't Get No Better'. It's a wonderful permutation of vocal and instrumental tracks that is produced by nine time Emmy award winner John Henry Kreitler and which features some of the hottest names on the contemporary jazz scene. In fact it was in 2004, when Kreitler was searching for players to accompany Meyer on her second CD, that he got the opportunity to bring Lamb and Meyer together. They found an instant musical fit yet because of conflicting and hectic schedules it took almost two years to complete the album. Finally released in February 2007 the result is a noteworthy showcase for both the individual and collective creativity of these multi talented performers.
~ Denis Poole,
Smooth Jazz Therapy
In the 90s and 2000s, the Bobby Caldwell effect became something of a glorious smooth jazz tradition--from Dave Koz and Boney James to Richard Elliot and Michael Lington, it seemed like being a sideman for the singer was a sure launching pad for solo success in the genre. A sure bet to keep that streak going in 2007 was saxophonist Patrick Lamb, but rather than break out as a solo artist, he did it as part of a duo with another respected smooth jazz sideperson, percussionist and vocalist Patsy Meyer (Norman Brown, Peabo Bryson, Patti Austin). The washed out photos of the duo and horribly bland packaging colors belie one of the year's more vibrant, in the pocket indie offerings in the genre. Everybody in that era was doing covers, but few were as intense, passionate and finger snap-worthy as the duo's explosive, brass-filled jam on "Birdland." The disc gets off to an easygoing start with the seductive and super-catchy "Hands Of Passion," which grooves easily along with the support of keyboardist Gregg Karukas, guitarist Michael O'Neill and flugelhornist Steve Madaio. Lamb bursts into heavily soulful Richard Elliot territory with his feisty blowing on "Don't Get No Better" before "Birdland" cements the duo as a true force to be reckoned with. The two ballads which follow are a study in contrasts; "Something Feels So Good" is nice but bland (and is hindered by breathy dual vocals), but "You'll Never Know" restores whatever passion was lost. The two are much more effective on the vibrant funk vocal "Give Me More Lovin'" and the voice version of "Don't Get No Better." The closer "Cup Of Coffee" best displays Meyer's penchant for effective vocal jazz/blues. While every track is not a slam dunk winner, what's clear is that Lamb & Meyer are embraced by the community; L.A. jazz stars like Paul Jackson, Jr., Grant Geissman, Abe Laboriel and Ricky Lawson all contribute strongly to this promising effort.
~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
It take nerve and imagination to cover "Birdland" successfully, which indie duo Lamb & Meyer (BlueHour) do handily and with all due propsto the original—and Smooth Jazz clearly in mind too.
~ Carol Archer
Saxophonist Patrick Lamb and vocalist/percussionist Patsy Meyer are a new team that has come up with a well–produced CD debut. Nine tracks include a vibrant take on the jazz classic "Birdland." The duo is framed in various musical settings with artists like Gregg Karukas, Nathan East and Paul Jackson Jr.
Sounds like: A fresh approach in a formula-dictated genre
~ Chuck Workman
"One of the slinkiest, sexiest Smooth Jazz releases we've heard in some time. DON'T GET NO BETTER is an in the pocket, sure–fire hit with a perfect balance of instrumentals and sultry, sophisticated vocals. Saxophonist Patrick Lamb and percussionist Patsy Meyer stole time away from their projects as back–up support for highly acclaimed Smooth Jazz icons the likes of Bobby Caldwell and Norman Brown to collaborate on this stellar duo debut. Magnetic musical chemistry exudes from this project making for exciting, engaging listening by blending pop, jazz, retro–soul and funk. DON'T GET NO BETTER was produced by nine–time Emmy–award winner John Henry Kreitler. Special guests include keyboardist Greg Karukas (co–author of the duo's hit single "Hands of Passion"), bassist Nathan East (Fourplay, Eric Clapton), guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr., drummer Ricky Lawson, and many other top–notch musicians. In 2004, the original concept for this album was to be Meyer's 2nd solo release (you may recall Patsy’s Smooth Jazz hit with Russ Freeman, "Ocho Rios"). But when Kreitler caught Lamb's performance in L.A., he was captivated. "His style spoke of love and pain in the same breath; it was very real to me," recalls Kreitler, who was so impressed that he proposed a partnership. Lamb & Meyer present an exceptional release here with vibrant melodies, outstanding vocal performances, scorching sax solos and rich, warm percussion. We'll go out on limb early in this new year and say it'll be one of the best indie releases in 2007. As the title says, it don't get no better."
~ SANDY SHORE