Hubert Emerson, Sahar Miller & The Gro Wiser Band: Press

Hubert Emerson's CD, Don't Look Back, presents soulful, but very danceable, original music that spans a few musical genres. Like much R&B, Emerson's work explores relationships, ranging from that first look from across a room to wanting something deeper to an inevitable breakup. In between, he looks at what goes wrong in a relationship, what his children think of him, and about loneliness.

Emerson's emotional vocals are supported by his keyboard work and percussion. Additional color comes through the work of members of the Gro Wiser Band, especially Jenn Curiel's bass, Daniel Coffeng's rhythm and lead guitars, and three gifted saxophone players: Sahar Miller, Carl Green, and Stephen Dreyfuss.

There is a R&B feel in “Don't Look Back,” while “Closer to You” produces a jazz-laced track with a very tasty bass line. But then Emerson drifts into reggae with his “Still in Love” where the saxes lean a little into klezmer, adding an unusual twist to the mix. Carl Green's lively saxophone really colors “One More Cup of Coffee,” and “Walking on Water” sports dual sax treatments by Green and Sahar Miller.

But then Emerson moves into southern music with “Time to Say Goodbye,” a sensitive, soulful break up song with some southern rock elements. His “Is This Love?,” a waltz time plea, has echoes of Dennis Quaid's “Closer to You” from the The Big Easy soundtrack. And then there is “In the Middle of the Night,”a country-laced tune with some very sweet guitar work coming through between the sax leads.

The album, however, has a little problem with distortion on some of the high end vocals, which mars a rich blend of lyrics, vocal delivery, and instrumentation. Still, Don't Look Back, is a great effort and I look forward to hearing more from Emerson.

One thing is crystal-clear from the video and other Growiser recordings: Emerson is a keyboard maestro. Playing a funky bass-line with his left hand while his right hand works big block chords and organ solos, Emerson fools you into thinking there are three people doing his part. But when you watch the video you see that one human being is doing all that by himself.

And his music is honest and moving. Songs like “Love is Knocking,” “Don’t Wake Me Up,” and “Grow Wiser,” express a deeper search through the soul for knowledge, love and experience.

After 13 years organizing my event, I have to say that I've found the perfect music in Growiser. Before the weekend was even over, I knew that I'd be asking them to perform the following year. I can't wait to hear Emerson's voice again!

Emerson is a rare treat to anyone desiring a high caliber, vibrant entertainer and musician. He creates a fun and enthusiastic environment where ever he performs. Emerson's deep and gentle voice takes the listener back to a time when you where sitting in Grandpa's lap sitting on the porch swing.
The original fresh vibrant beats and melodies will get your heart and feet wanting to dance along.