Behind the Storm

More in the pocket in terms of the expected sax approach is the fresh out of Canada detonations of Walle Larsson, who punches forward in the Tom Scott-L.A. Express funk-rock vein with a peek Behind the Storm. Already a hit in Canada in seeking distribution in the States, this edgy mix of fire and ice puts Larsson on the road to chart competition alongside similar minded sax icons like Dave Koz and Warren Hill. Because he has yet to be at the mercy of a major label, Larsson has the advantage of letting things roll for up to and over six minutes, building smoothly with memorable melodies before delving into in your face jams with various electric guitarists. He touches on the best of both worlds, recalling a familar, friendly edge but also unafraid to let things rip somewhere around the fourth minute. Though his slamming alto is his instant trademark, the tenderness he conveys on sweeteners like "You Told Me So" hint towards first class balladry as well. Now if only his principal co-writer and producer Mario Parent would have had the ego check to eliminate his own bland vocals, this would be near perfect.