Whitman Rinaldo

Whitman Rinaldo is a songwriter, guitarist and vocalist who has been in many bands, from jazz to rock. He owes his style to the Beatles, Sting and also blues and world beat influences.

Luke Warm & the Red Hots is his debut CD with a few really great guests. Ray Disney, who produced this CD also contributed trumpet and keyboards. The production and studio work of Disney is superb. It's a clean recording with lots of sizzle.

The socially idealistic "God Give Me Strength" features great ensemble vocals with Nadine Rae and Darlene Coleman singing background. They sing background on several other songs. Coleman shows her range when she shares a lead vocal on "Out of Sight.

Chris Vidala's saxophone work is blistering throughout "Why Won't You Marry Me?" and "Sweet as the Apple" and 2 other songs. Paul Bell's Dobro on "Sweet as the Apple" and electric guitar on "She Can't Read My Mind" are also high points.

"Lamb Jam" is a jazz rock fusion instrumental which transitions from a Miles Davis style trumpet vamp into Flamenco and onto a rocking guitar solo by Michael Fath.