Jimmy Sommers was first smitten with the saxophone when he was still a grade school student in his native area of Chicago. "The sax just seemed so cool" says Sommers recollecting on those days. His affinity and aptitude for the sax progressed to a point where he has become one of the hottest names on the world's smooth jazz circuit. He has appeared on television shows such as The Today Show, Access Hollywood, Smooth Jazz TV, Regis and Kelly and others. His electrifying performances have taken him to concert stages and festivals both in the States and abroad. REVIEWS: Paula Edelstein, All Music Guide Jimmy Sommers surrounds himself with top names from R&B, rap, hip-hop, and smooth jazz on his sensational 360 Urban Groove. The saxophonist lets it rip with the likes of guitarist Norman Brown on the title track, with R&B superstar Ginuwine on the funky party jam "Let''s Go Party." Further in the set, he is comped by Coolio''s rap on a cover of Boz Scaggs'' "Lowdown" and then segues into the ever-so-soulful smooth vocals of heartthrob Eric Benet on "Stay a While." Benet proves his staying power on this one, and together he and Sommers give their listeners many reasons to stay tuned to their emotional calls and responses. This song oozes with sincerity and gives you a glimpse of what happens to a listener''s imagination when two great voices -- Benet''s vocals and Sommer''s sax voice -- are paired in a great song. Sommers plays an array of alto saxophone solos that span the style spectrum -- from steamy to feel-good, from sexy and funky to romantic and serene -- his range is completely entertaining. To the contemporary ear, Sommers is the reigning prince of the alto sax voices and has a sound that can be compared to and would harmonize with that of Dave Koz''s soprano saxophone voice. He wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on this program with the exception of "Lowdown" and "Lovin'' You," which tells you a lot about his compositional integrity and his ability to write for artists outside of the smooth jazz genre. The highlights on this great CD is Jimmy Sommer''s excellent sax stylings that wrap listeners in his sexy, intimately smooth sound with labelmates Les Nubians on the opener and surround Sparkle''s great vocals on "Lovin'' You." Sommers blows a great set that makes this CD a must have. Contemporary jazz .com Jimmy Sommers 360 Urban Groove by Jeff Charney This is not your typical smooth jazz recording. It is a mixture of jazz, soul, rhythm & blues, pop and hip-hop. The second release for Sommers finds him collaborating with quite a few music stars. The first track is a tasty piece featuring the vocal group Les Nubians in an uptempo, Sade style with Sommers wailing on the background. It's very pop radio oriented. My favorite piece is track two, "360 Groove," featuring Norman Brown on guitar. Mid-tempo in nature, funky and soulful. Of course, Brown is his usual self which is excellent! Another pleasant song is the Boz Scaggs classic "Low Down" with help by Coolio doing some underlying rap. On "Falling For You," Sommers lets the guests stay home and does a romantic mood piece. "Promise Me" is a more happy, feel good song that will stay with you after you put down the CD. Same goes for "James Cafe," except in a slower vein. Ginuwine, Raphael Saadiq and Eric Benet also contribute to this CD, but more in an R&B way. I’m trying to figure out which direction Sommers wants to go. Is it R&B or is it smooth jazz? Both styles are on this CD.