Lin Rountree: The Musical Storyteller written by Althea Blackford for aboutBlackBoston.com It’s smooth jazz at its best. Lin Rountree has a smooth, relaxing feel about his music. One thing that is remarkable is that he tells stories with his music. There is a clear sense of direction Rountree takes you on. It’s a musical journey with each song. “For Your Love” sets the tone for the album. You know that you are in store for a smooth ride in this song. The song has a commercial appeal to it where it can be easily heard on any jazz station. His title track “Groovetree” is a very fun track. Rountree makes you want to dance. You can tell he’s having fun jamming away on this track. A song that doesn’t really bring the wow factor is “The Message.” This ode to love is very nice but we lose Rountree in this one. myspace.com/linrountree The vocalist has a very seductive voice that lures and keeps you listening to the song. It would have been nice to hear more Rountree than the vocalist. It could have been a call and response with Rountree and the vocalist verses Rountree being a background instrument. He does have a solo at the end which is too late. “Villicious” is definitely a song meant for the grown and sexy. Rountree really paints a picture with this track. The scene one can envision is a night time city backdrop and a couple is spending quality time with each other. “Akire” has a nice drum beat that accents Rountree’s performance. This song has a real urban feel to it. The last selection “Lullaby for Renarta” has a very personal sense. You have an understanding that the person he dedicates this song to is someone very dear to him. We see the sentimental side of Rountree on this one. Groovetree takes you on a smooth, relaxing musical journey with Lin Rountree’s trumpet as his voice. He tells a musical story that leaves you wanting more. Feb 26, 2007 written by Althea Blackford, Producer of the “Style it Up” television show Boston Comcast channel 23 www.styleitup.net