Talk about making an immediate impact! "Touch" was the album of choice for chilling out, getting intimate or falling asleep late at night. All of my jazz friends in the dorm were mesmerized as well. They all made cassette dubs (see their was music sharing even back then).
Klemmer's mellow approach to the tenor saxophone made for some killer cuts. From the title track of "Touch" to "Free Fall Lover" to "Tone Row Weaver," all you had to do was put the stylus down on this album and sit back.
1977 brought forth "Lifestyle (Living & Loving), probably my favorite of all his music. "Tough & Tender" remains as beautiful a song as the first time I heard it. "Lovin' Feelings," "Lifestyle" and a nice rendition of Stanley Clarke's "Quiet Afternoon" make this album special.
Some music critics have credited Klemmer for being one of the earliest pioneers of smooth jazz. His music, however, went through several climates before he found a niche that served him well, at least in terms of a following.
His website has a list of all his work but sadly there is no news of a concert date (just the hint of one - possibly with Rick Braun) nor does it seem any new music is on the horizon. That's a shame because I'd love to hear what Klemmer is capable of producing after all these years.
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