Airborne Jazz Reviews - Smooth Jazz / Contemporary Jazz / Smooth Jazz / Contemporary Jazz

Reviews - Airborne Explores "New Horizons"

We so often need music in our busy and usually stressful days (especially in these stressful times)
to help smooth out the rough edges. Airborne, the proclaimed “Musical Peacemakers” of contemporary jazz
make it all so easy with their new release, New Horizons, a peaceful, breezy, reflective, and vibrant production indeed.
As much new age, R&B, funk, spiritual, and world as it is contemporary jazz, it is a carefully woven fabric
of tantalizing sound to make those crazy moments in our day a little less crazy.

The opening track, “Sunrise,” is a Hardcastle/Jazzmasters-like groove that cruises along one of our
gorgeous coastlines, blissfully oblivious to anything but the tender music. The melody is tasteful, the rhythm cool
and happy, the backing vocals so soothing. That’s followed by a colorful island-flavored mid-tempo track aptly titled
“Take me Away.” A snappy, zesty little piece called “Diggin’ the Atmosphere” follows, with that Hardcastle vibe still
intact and a hint of the British acid jazz group Shakatak’s groove, as well. Very sweet touch of flute and strings here.
“A Saturday Afternoon” is up next with a high-steppin’ and bright melody and hook. This one brings an energy in its
mid-tempo rhythm that is as hot and exciting as something you’d expect in a faster-paced tune. Nice piano and
sax chops here, as well. The alluring backing vocals are very evident throughout this project and make it an even
more refreshing piece of work. The energized cover of Bobby Hebb’s “Sunny” is impressive with solid vocals.

Taking an up-tempo turn on Latin turf, “One World” lifts the party to another plateau with smokin’ horn and
percussion action, while the group gets a little bluesy with a jazzy swagger on “Thank God It’s Friday” and
“God Bless the Child.” The track “From Jazz to James” does a really cool little dance with contemporary jazz that
morphs into a funky little James Brown thing (including a take on the JB utterances).
Talk about using your creative skills. Then comes the choir element of Airborne as it ventures into a
great mix of gospel and jazz with an uplifting and rich tune called “We Are All Children of This World.”

The album culminates with the title track, a moving, poetic, reflective, multilingual track that brings to the
forefront the mantra of this group: With love, we can do great things.
All things are possible if we live, laugh, and love. Not only great music here, but great food for thought.
An unbeatable combination.

Ronald Jackson – The Smooth Jazz Ride

The new release from the notable contemporary jazz group Airborne is titled New Horizons
and features smooth jazz guitar, keyboards, and reed instruments in conjunction with passionate
Latin infused grooves to craft a CD cool as an island breeze. Airborne has long been referred to as the
“Musical Peacemakers” of contemporary jazz. On New Horizons, the group’s 7th release on Tilt Records
since their inception in the late 1980’s, their peaceful theme is abundantly present on many of their songs.

The triumvirate which comprises Airborne is expertly piloted by group leader Thomas Borino
on piano and keyboards. His brother, Greg Bornio is the group’s impressive guitarist,
while Thomas Sansone delivers high-quality performances on varied saxophones as well as flute.
In addition, all three gentlemen offer vocals and receive composing credits.

The opening cut, “Sunrise,” is a groove-laden instrumental, led alternately by piano, guitar, and flute.
Aptly titled, since the sunrise marks the first appearance of the sun on the horizon, and the CD is named
New Horizons. Airy buoyant background vocals help bolster the floating carefree and sunny environment,
and the flute generates an illusion of morning bird chirps. The pretty mid-tempo “Take Me Away” comes next
and features a joyful steel drum tropical Caribbean island melody. Softly indistinguishable vocals, fresh and
breezy acoustic guitar, and light cheery keyboards provide the musical backbone to this superbly blissful song.

The magnetic “Diggin the Atmosphere” dances along with pleasing piano and puffs of flute augmenting the
loping melody amid brief punctuating stabs of gripping electric guitar. The whispery sea-siren vocals alluringly
keep repeating the song’s title refrain. The back-to-back combination of “Diggin the Atmosphere” and
“A Saturday Afternoon” forms a formidable one-two punch of smooth jazz elegance. “A Saturday Afternoon” is
a delightful ensemble piece, with brilliant sax, biting guitar and crisply cool keyboards combining again
with soft background vocals to weave a wondrous textured melody that is truly unforgettable.

Bobby Hebb’s classic hit “Sunny” is given an updated contemporary spin, complete with Latin-jazz/rock guitar
and gospel-tinged alternating male and female lead vocals. The guitar-work on this song, and some others,
echoes the brothers Santana (Carlos and Jorge) while celebrating Al DiMeola and George Benson jazz flavors.
Thomas Borino’s assured keyboards masterfully anchor this stimulating song.

The vibrant “One World” has a moving Calypso beat with Caribbean steel drums adding flavor against
Latin horns and insistent driving percussion effects together with more Caravanserai Santana-like burning
guitar riffs and sparkling flute. The syncopated rhythms blend with jazz fusion to create a dynamic global statement.
This Latin effervescence continues on “Gate 7,” another quality- packed complex cut.

“Thank God It’s Friday” contains an old-time New Orleans/Cab Calloway feel with brass instrumentation and a
repeated exhortation “Thank God it’s Friday, if it wasn’t for Friday I’d lose my mind.” It’s a deviation from the
surrounding songs, and a mark of how diverse Airborne’s musical reach extends.

Billy Holiday’s bittersweet blues standard “God Bless The Child” is joyously performed with a Dr. John vibe.
The song, honored by induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame, has been covered by numerous artists, in a multitude
of genres since its long ago appearance. A few of the more notable recordings belong to Blood, Sweat, & Tears,
Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Stanley Turrentine; although no artist I’ve heard has put such a jubilant spin on it.

“From Jazz To James” encompasses various jazz styles. Wes Montgomery mellow expressive tones,
Maynard Ferguson big band bop, and jazz fusion are presented. When some guttural grunts and horn music
in the familiar manner of the King of Soul James Brown are added, the song really takes a twist.
Some swirling majestic keyboards in the style of Emerson, Lake and Palmer are even shown.
It’s quite an ambitious composition, written by Greg Borino, with lots of originality.

The final two songs are tightly connected with a target goal of Peace and Harmony. Some near-testifying is
presented in the Gospel song “We Are All Children Of This World.” It’s an inspirational song with sprinkles of
goodwill throughout; a musical attempt to unite mankind and strive for a moral global society by reaching out the
hand of Peace to our fellow man. Spoken inspirational words by various male and female narrators of different a
ges, cultures, and languages form the premise of the final song, “New Horizons.” African rhythms and soft chants
of “one world” form the foundation for the narrators to issue the humanitarian proclamations “we are one world,
one people, searching for new horizons,” and “all things are possible if we live, laugh, and love.”
This highly compassionate message also includes the previous song title “we are all children of this world.”

On New Horizons Airborne again take to the air in graceful flight, articulating their message of Peace
with well played songs that sustain the listener’s interest. This work is a product of skilled musicians
infused with a spirit of hope who aspire for a better world containing new horizons.

Smooth Jazz Therapy first became acquainted with the band Airborne through the excellent 2004 CD ‘Heavy Vibes’.
At the time I commented that this cool Connecticut based collective was re-igniting genuine old school jazz fusion
in a way that was part 5th Dimension, part Weather Report, and part Ambrosia with just a hint of Tower Of Power
thrown in for good measure. Subsequently, the band’s reputation was enhanced by the 2007 CD ‘Turbulence’
and a year later ‘Winds of Change’ hit the streets. Now Airborne is back with the equally good ‘New Horizons’.
It signals a welcome return to the soulful energy, vocal R & B arrangements and Latin grooves
from which the band’s reputation was originally built.

As with previous offerings, the sound of Airborne is anchored by guitar man Greg Borino,
keyboard player Thomas Borino and saxophonist Thomas Sansone. These principle contributors are often
supplemented by a talented gathering of supporting artists and, among these,
the vocalist Elizabeth Dellinger is worthy of special mention.

‘New Horizons’ is quickly up and running with the warmly inviting ‘Sunrise’ that features zesty flute from
Thomas Sansome and he is also in fine form for the easy grooving ‘Diggin The Atmosphere’. In fact ‘easy
grooving’ could be a metaphor for the entire collection and this is particularly so with the band’s competent cover
of Bobby Hebb’s classic ‘Sunny’. Totally different, but still worth inclusion, the Runyonesque ‘Thank God It’s Friday’ evokes the smoky jazz clubs of a bygone age and, as the title would suggest, ‘From Jazz To James’ is a rarefied extravaganza of intense jazz rhythms fused with the kind of funk that is reminiscent of JB at his best.

The cut and thrust of the wonderfully gospel flavored ‘We Are All Children Of This World’ contrasts dramatically with
the sultry yet thrusting ‘A Saturday Afternoon’ while elsewhere a very different take on Billie Holiday’s seminal
‘God Bless The Child’ proves to be a welcome addition. ‘Take Me Away’ is another uplifting tune that this time glides upon an attractive Latin rhythm and this ‘south of the border’ feeling is also a feature of the energetic ‘One World’.

Finally, the ‘one world’ motif is carried over to the message laden (and closing) title cut which provides
a thoughtful ending to an invariably interesting collection.

At this point in world history, the concept of maintaining a positive outlook
and vibe isn't just a nice idea....it's critical to our survival as a species.

The multi-cultural contemporary jazz group Airborne not only shares this philosophy,
but has also imbued every one of their albums with it. NEW HORIZONS, their latest project,
contains a dozen brilliantly crafted examples of their trademark jazz/island passion/urban emotion music..
and once again shows Airborne to be the pre-eminent voice for positive change for the jazz community.

They truly are the "musical peacemakers" of contemporary (Smooth Jazz). If you're already a fan, getting
a copy of NEW HORIZONS won't require a second thought. If Airborne is new to you, acquiring the project
will not only raise your positivity as you listen, but will also support the work of creative individuals
who really get what being a citizen of this world is all about!

Scott O'Brien - Smoothjazz.com
New Haven based contemporary jazz group Airborne are founded by Gregory Borino (guitars, vocals),
Thomas Sansone (sax, flute, vocals), Thomas Borino (piano, keyboards, organ, vocals) .
They constantly released albums since a long time. Take Off in 1990, followed by Across The Sky (1995),
Lifetones (1999), Heavy Vibes (2004), Turbulence (2007), Winds of Change (2008) and this year New Horizons.

Their albums have often a motto and a special impetus. For example the group demands with Winds of Change
common ground, solidarity and the willingness to make the world better. The new album New Horizons f ollows
the same concept: "The music of Airborne reminds and encourages us that we can create a new world of peace.
One world of people searching and waiting for a sunrise of happiness that's just over the new horizons. "

The album comes up with the mid-tempo Sunrise. Heavy like the mighty sun rises the wave of chords and melody.
The Bossa Nova flavored Take Me Away attracts with a nice tune. Ornamented by Elisabeth Dellinger's
and Yvette Early's vocals especially the acoustic guitar performance enjoys.

Diggin The Atmosphere features Thomas Sansone on flute, who duets with Thomas Borino on piano.
A Saturday Afternoon delivers some moody elements. Sansone paints the atmosphere in saxual light.

When Bobby Hebb composed in 1966 his song Sunny he never expected such a tremendous success.
The song is number 18 of the most played songs of all time (BMI). A timeless composition sets Airborne in the best light. Pieces like One World are typical for Airborne as entertaining act. A recommendation for great parties and festivities.

A film score? Why not, Gate 7 shows a dynamic tension and jazzy interferences. Do you like some jammin'?
Then try Thank God It's Friday. God Bless The Child is a song written by Billie Holiday and
Arthur Herzog Jr. in 1939. Thomas Borino's and Thomas Sansone's vocal interpretation are very respectable.

On From Jazz To James Airborne rides the scale of music in variations of contemporary and Latin jazz.
The gospel We Are All Children Of This World displays the fantastic singer Elisabeth Dellinger with
an outburst of spirtuality. New Horizons speaks the words of the world.
A pray to reach out the hand to the world to live our life to the fullest.

All things are possible. New Horizons is Airborne's approach to combine
serious messages with pleasure and joy. Be prepared to take off.

The brand new album from New Haven, CT based Airborne is entitled "Winds Of Change" and much of the publicity surrounding it makes clear that the title, compositions, and even the emotion of the project was inspired by the bands
concern for world events. The implicit assertion, irrespective of faith, race, color or wealth, that together we can make
this earth a better place is beyond dispute and in articulating this harmonious message Airborne
has delivered nine wonderfully uplifting tunes which can be fairly described as
some of the best smooth jazz to be heard this year.

"Winds of Change" is Airborne's 6th CD and each subsequent release has demonstrated the growing confidence
the band has in its own music and the diversity Airborne is never afraid to display. Although the 2005 album
"Heavy Vibes" was replete with top notch old school jazz fusion this, in the main,
has been displaced by the world rhythms

that permeated much of their 2007 project "Turbulence" and the first rate contemporary jazz which exemplifies
"Winds of Change". However, invariably through all of this has been the superb vocals of Elizabeth Dellinger that
are at the core of all Airborne's best moments and writing credits which continue to be predominately shared
between band members, brothers Greg and Thomas Borino, and Thomas Sansone.

The feel good motif of "Winds of Change" is beautifully demonstrated by the optimistic happy vibe of the title track. Reminiscent in part of Bob James, "Sign Of The Times" it features the sort of high quality backing vocals from
Dillenger that fans of Airborne have routinely come to expect. When the track is later reprised as a backdrop
to a series of inspirational sound bites Dillenger remains just as good and she returns to add her
sparkle to the party ready "Calypso Night".

Thomas Sansone contributes excellent flute to the jazzy "Magic In The City" where Thomas Borino on keys is also in
fine form and his brother Greg takes the honors on guitar with the energetically up tempo "All Tied Up". Sansone
switches to sax for the deliciously evocative "Sanish Guitar" and when the musical spotlight shifts from Europe to
South America it's the lovely shuffling Latin beat of "Brazilian Praise" that affords Randy Bost
the opportunity to shine on trumpet.

"Just One Night" is a superb slice of smooth jazz for which the entire band plays a part and in similar vein is
"Rising Higher". This brass enriched number is real stadium jazz while the more studied "Better Days Ahead" has
a fine in the pocket groove and more excellent guitar from Greg Borino.

Through the years a feature of Airborne has been its cohesion and the way the lead is generously shared between
the players. "Winds of Change" offers all of this and a chance to experience the work of a passionate group
of musicians who obviously enjoy every second of what they do.

Denis Poole - Smooth Jazz Therapy

Formed in 1988 the group Airborne looks now back on 20 years of recordings, jazz festivals, gigs, the whole ups
and downs of being musicians. Based in New Haven, CT, USA, Airborne has received worldwide acclaims.
The band consists of Steven Clarke (bass), Gregory Borino (guitars), Thomas Sansone (sax), Thomas Borino (piano, keyboards, organ, vocals), Asher Delerme (percussion) and Dean Kosh (drums). These musicians are joined on the
new project Winds of Change by Randy Bost (trumpet, flugelhorn) Elisabeth Dellinger (background vocals) and on
some of the tracks drummers Adrian Tramontano and Alwyn Smith.

The celebration of the 20th anniversary is a good opportunity to see at a glance their previous work. The group
started with Take Off in 1990, followed by Across The Sky (1995), Lifetones (1999), Heavy Vibes (2004)
and Turbulence (2007). The new album Winds of Change (2008) follows a special concept and impetus:

"Projects for Global Warming, Hunger, Natural Disasters, New Energy Resources, and Economical Distress have
been created. All these concerns and factors have stressed our earth to its boiling point. The time is now for change.
Without prejudice we must all stand together to achieve peace and global unity to take on this difficult task.

We must reach out our hands to the world. We can make this earth a better place to live. No matter what faith, race,
color, or wealth you have. We are all children of this world. Help save our planet and its children!
Reach out your hand and ride the Winds of Change!

With this impetus in mind Airborne sees Better Days Ahead. Starting with relaxed guitar loops in the style
of The Chic Thomas Borino soon showcases his piano skills. The uplifting Winds Of Change is featuring
comprehensible and audible the flute. The melody is taken over by Thomas' piano. Gregory Borino's
horn arrangement as supporting background is superb and just in the point.

It's a constant part of the repertoire of many live bands. Bossa Nova, la Brazilian Praise. And some
Calypso , la Calypso Night isn't bad too. This captivating tune will push you to the dance floor.
Gregory's acoustic guitar delivers Spanish flavor in Spanish Guitar, while the original character
is changed by the massive sax placement.

We drive further with Magic In The City. While the main melody is performed by Thomas Sasone on flute
Thomas Borino sets accents with his furious piano play. The provocative title Just One Night turns out
as smooth ballade featuring Sansone's soprano sax. All Tied Up is another significant example for the
perfect interplay of all musicians.

Rising Higher reminds of the British group Shakatak. There are certain similarities between both groups.
The album is finished with a reprise of the title song. The reprise is a collage of recordings of famous
contemporaries and the final message of the group.

Airborne offers with their 6th instalment entertainment in the quality we can await from
such an experienced group. A nice mixture of fun and lecture.

HBH - Hans-Bernd H'lsmann - Smooth & Soul

Airborne has come to be known as the "Musical Peacemakers" of Contemporary Jazz!
the new project WINDS OF CHANGE, in their words, is a message to humanity that it is time to turn the page.

Based in New Haven, CT, Brothers Thomas and Gregory Borino, and Thomas Sansone,
along with a large and impressive ensemble of talented band mates perform throughout the Northeast,
leaving a wake of positivity and global goodness behind them.

Thankfully Airborne has managed to harness this passion and creative energy and capture it on the
ten new tracks on the band's 6th album to date. Everything has a frequency surrounding ourselves with
frequencies of joy is the fastest way to changing the plights of the world. Airborne has just made this easy.

Never has there been such a pleasurable soundtrack to focusing on achieving a greener, calmer,
balanced world where all are free to fulfill their potential. Stuffed full with the trademark Airborne sound of
island passion and urban emotion, WINDS OF CHANGE is a flavorful offering with the depth and character
we've come to expect from this world-class group.

Songs like the vibrant "Better Days Ahead, the breezy groove "Winds of Change" and the
tropical "Calypso Night" conjure up a crystal clear musical body of water that beckons to be jumped into!

Sandy Shore - Smoothjazz.com

I have found that Airborne has always put out great Smooth Jazz music.
The "Winds of Change" CD is another great CD from start to finish.

David White - Whitester Radio - Smooth Jazz

Airborne always finds a new way to put the listener on an aircraft and fly them over exquisite landscapes
that feel aurally entrancing and sensually relaxing. The group's sixth CD Winds Of Change delivers an
titillating carpet ride for listeners that reaches exciting heights and coasts elegantly along languid clarion channels.

Breezy, attractive island sways fumigate tracks like "Brazilian Praise" and the title track "Winds Of Change"
with silky textured chimes and serenely scented nuances enhancing its beauty. The calypso beats and bubbly
keys bridged across "Calypso Night" create a buoyant ambience with a Caribbean zing and luscious, velvety vocals
provided by Airborne's singer Elizabeth Delinger.

The smooth Latin flare in guitarist Gregory Borino's ringlets and the tender swirls of trumpeter/flugelhornist
Randy Bost are splayed gingerly across "Spanish Guitar" as percussionist Asher Delerme spices up the dish
nicely and bassist Steven Clarke dives right into the island-enriched riffs. Flutist/saxophonist Thomas Sansome
propels warm lathers, which softly foam up the melodic essence of "Magic In The City" as keyboardist
Thomas Borino sprinkles a tangy dressing over the tune.

For the album, Airborne rendered the services of three drummers, Dean Kosh, Adrian Tramontano and Alwyn Smith,
who each play on a different track. The orchestral grids in the refreshing aerial passages of "Better Days Ahead"
and "Just One Night" are softly welded and pervade a nocturnal lighting and romantic aura.

The band revisits the creamy melodic strudels that weave across "Winds Of Change" as the song
is reprised on the final track topped with sound bytes from the public speeches of such luminaries as
Senator Barack Obama and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The track enforces the opinion that
the world is on the verge of undergoing a positive change.

Airborne have been dubbed "Musical Peacemakers of Contemporary Jazz" and their latest CD
Winds Of Change is socially poignant as the music fosters peace and unity and incorporates the
listener into this mission. The album creates a peaceful environment for the listener, who then
becomes a part of this expedition and shares in its triumph.

Susan Frances - Jazz Review

Airborne, reaffrims one's hope, and gives one courage, that contemporary jazz is alive and well.
The band is in the vanguard of a peaceful change throughout the world, but are in no way conventional buany huggers.

I konw most of the readers of this magazine abhor what is flippauntly referred to as smooth jazz, and it seems they are not alone, as some of the radiio stations offering this genre are closing.
However, Airborne has a gutsier, meatier, and more swinging take on smoothness.

Airborne compositions cover a gamaunt of rhythms, melodies, and island sounds. They swing for Brazlian to Mexican,
Afro-Cuban to Soul, and all the while staying faithful to Jazz.

Jass - Mall

Airborne is quite a unique smooth jazz ensemble. The New Haven band was formed in the late eighties and has
since then crossed the "turbulences" of our agitated times. Airborne is more than a jazz ensemble. It is a group of
dedicated musicians, who share the same cause and philosophy: bringing peace, love and tolerance to our world
through their music. They have stuck to this belief since their beginning
and have opened up their music to multi-culturalism.

As the band puts it in the CD liner notes: "Our world is overflowing with physical, emotional and political distress and confusion. Let this wonderful music help open your heart to life's beauty. We can all make a difference in
this world of need. If we try to help, support and understand, we can achieve peace."

Airborne's fifth release "Turbulence" conveys a spirit of peaceful serenity, openness to the world's musical cultures
and high energy to create a positive vision for the future. The band entails talented members: 6 experienced musicians
and a soulful female vocalist. Musically speaking, "Turbulence" successfully adds world rhythms and sounds
to an already lively and passionate smooth jazz sound.

This exciting musical expedition starts with the exultant Latin "Festival Sunset". Then you embark on a
soft mid tempo cruise led by a crew of great musicians: Steven Clarke on bass, Gregory Borino on guitars
and Thomas Sonsone on saxophone ("Smooth Sailing"). When you come back on earth, you will be received
by Elisabeth Dellinger's soulful voice in a groovy tune ("Can't Fight Love"), remembering Shakatak's unique sound.

Then you will follow the steps of North America's first inhabitants, Native Americans ("Native Search").
After a tonic big band swing ("Hillside Swing"), listen to the powerful "Drums of Peace/Awakening"
introduced by African rhythms and chants. Later on, let yourself invited to a Brazilian samba ("As We Journey")
and get inspired by the sensual R&B voice of Elisabeth Dellinger. Eventually this bright journey comes
to an end with an emotional smooth jazz piece, "The Message."

When listening to this stunning and graceful CD, you will notice that this ensemble plants musical
"seeds of peace" and uses music to help make our dream of a better world come true.

Turbulence is a great musical achievement. So, let yourself be guided by these "Musical Peacemakers."

Akbar Nour - Smooth Jazz Now

Airborne is a band with a mission, the multi-cultural contemporary jazz group from New England takes flight
with their 5th release TURBULENCE setting the objective on using their musical energies
for calming an otherwise disruptive world.

In the CD liner notes, the band invites listeners to open their hearts, minds and souls to the music.
Music that is, in our opinion, delightful, lively and filled with life featuring hot rhythms, sizzling saxophone and flute,
infectious bass lines and caressingly soulful vocals that are effectively woven into the mix.

This is Airborne's critically acclaimed recipe for jazz fusion.
The Connecticut band's music is genuine and big-hearted "joyful jazz" healing and enriching,
just as you would expect from these humanitarians and educators.

TURBULENCE is anything but with its high-spirited, soothing melodies. Tracks like the sophisticated "Smooth Sailing"
and the jubilant "Festival at Sunset" bring to mind the sonic qualities of other multi-cultural ensembles such as Fattburger
and Pete Escovedo's Orchestra. This stylish collection of songs also features soul-stirring pieces such as the head-boppin, "Can't Fight Love" as well as songs of great depth like the captivating tune "The Message"

What the world needs is more people who do what they love to do with purpose and confidence
and because they love doing it!

Airborne's TURBULENCE, filled with nine original compositions, is the perfect remedy for chaos.

One has to admire a veteran band whose liner notes denote their desire to make this a more peaceful world
through music, yet call their latest disc Turbulence. The title is more a clever wordplay with the name of the
multi-cultural, Connecticut based contemporary jazz ensemble that is hugely popular in New England but
has also made inroads into the hearts of smooth jazz fans across the country over the years.

One listen to the supercharged carnival of swirling guitars, brass, drums, wordless vocals and Latin and samba
action on the opening cut "Festival at Sunset" and nobody's going to be asking for peace anytime soon!
"Smooth Sailing" is a little gentler, but there's still a heavy bass bottom (courtesy of Steven Clarke) and the
bright give and take between the crackling electric guitar of Gregory Borino and the
punchy sax and flute of Thomas Sansone.

Just when you think the plane is grounded somewhere lovely in the U.S., Airborne's off to Africa for the
tribal voice and soundscape heavy "Native Search," which puts the melodic focus on
Sansone's flute--a no-no in 2007 at smooth jazz radio but a brilliant touch here, especially
paired with Gregory Borino's electric axe.

"Drums Of Peace/Awakening" is similarly jungly and grooving yet also soaring and smooth. Jazz purists
who find all this a bit too poppy may be satisfied with the swinging big band jam "Hillside Swing" that
smacks of cool, "real jazz." Featured vocalist Elizabeth Dellinger has a nice sensual presence on "What About Love,"
but the vocal textures of "As We Journey" might seem more at home on one of those
70's disco fusion projects--a problem easily solved by simply calling this "retro."

A band named Airborne has probably heard every aviation clich' possible, but here's another
Turbulence really takes off, adding a much needed dose of global adventure to smooth jazz.

Jonathan Widran - All Music Guide

This crew is in flight & they are dynamic!

Exquisitely from New Haven, CT., This crew releases their 5th CD of choice to the Contemporary Jazz Crowd
with a little Urban flair in the mix. It reflects on a societal note of worldwide news & differences to the matter of heart & soul.
The music in jazz from these players connects the dots to what you hear in the environment today. Especially to those
seeking reminisce to the original Contemporary jazz game & the music it speaks for!

From the beginning of "Festival at Sunset" rips the Latin smooth jazz melody already heard of in the smooth jazz
community. Nothing new there right? Well comes..."Smooth Sailing", which doesn't so much go technically according
to the name of the title. It does have several different elements added to bring the choice of tune more-so to
Contemporary Jazz Status! Like the vocal scats laced throughout that track! When you go to "Can't Fight Love" &
hear the congas go smoothly with the vocals, you can almost grasp a feel for the UK's 'Brand New Heavies' & a
midday R&B tempo from USA's group 'Seek'. Or you should know by now that both parties DO mix!

"Hillside Swing" picks up a speed towards a big band camp & does the twist to a little straight ahead jazz flow.
Possibly to flex muscles of the band on their ability to dabble in both arts of the game. "Drums of Peace/Awakening"
glided my listening path into fully appreciating what they came to play - down to earth Jazz! I mean, they wasted no time
in this composition. The sax play coming directly from Thomas Sansone comes through & is truly felt. In fact, this track
reminds me of another 'awakening' in the debut CD from Ramsey Lewis's "The Urban Knights"! (Remember Them?)

For independent artists such as them, their true testimony may ride into their consistency & passion for music in this project. The overall feel! It speaks loudly throughout the CD & yes....It's Recommended!

The Urban Music Scene - Terrill J. Hanna

Airborne's fifth album, Turbulence meets all your expectations of what you imagine an eminent jazz album
would be like. The songs are symbolic of contemporary jazz, progressive jazz, and the alluring smooth jazz.
Produced by band members Greg Borino (electric/acoustic guitars), Thomas Borino (piano/keyboards/vocals),
and Thomas Sansone (saxophone/flute/vocals), the album is made up of a 6-part instrumental unit and one part
female vocals furnished by Lady Elizabeth Dellinger.

The songs take the listener from a balmy R&B idling to contemporary swing and club jazz proportions.
Rounding out the 6-part instrumental are Dean Kosh (drums), Asher Delerme (African/Latin percussion),
and Steven Clark (bass). The band employed a number of additional musicians for Turbulence which surprisingly
does not add clutter to the tracks. Moreover, these additional musicians came in as needed to add sunspots of
trills and flounce that tickle the melodies with a wider array of hues and party atmospheres.

Tracks like "Festival At Sunset" and "As We Journey" propel a Latin-jazz samba ruffling up the rhythms with alcoves
of animated horns. The rotating cycles revolve around the springy vocals in a pleasurable spin. The R&B/Soul tides on numbers like "Smooth Sailing" and "Can't Fight Love" are intoxicating as Dellinger's sensuality
and magnetism on "Can't Fight Love" resonates with a Regina Bell vocal shower.

The citrus-sweetness of the flute swirls on "Native Search" are symphonic and tranquilizing while
"Hillside Swing" has ringlets of elevating guitar intervals and swing-laden horns.
"Drums Of Peace/Awakening" turns into waves of smooth jazz horns embellished with African textured beats,
rippling hand shakers, and syncopated vocal chants. "What About Love" has a touch of cocktail-jazz in its
R&B voicing illuminated by Dellinger's singing, as the sinuous grooves and honeyed tones of
"The Message" stoke the embers of the sonically romantic flames.

Though Turbulence has only 9-tracks on it, the average length of the songs is 6-minutes which is double what most
11-track albums offers in there songs. Airborne have produced an album that is a portrait of jazz music's charms
and supple movements making music that is idealistic and proofed for party mixers.

Airborne's Turbulence gives jazz music a very good feel.

When in 2005 I reviewed the album "Heavy Vibes" from the smooth jazz and fusion band Airborne I suggested
that they were re-igniting genuine old school jazz fusion in a way that was part Tower Of Power, part Ambrosia
and very much in the spirit of 5th Dimension. Now New Haven, CT based Airborne are back with their fifth CD release
"Turbulence". It retains much of the excellent fusion that grabbed attention the last time around and widens
horizons to demonstrate huge empathy with the music of many cultures.

In fact the entire collection is a rollercoaster ride of moods and emotions, writing credits are shared
between band members Greg and Thomas Borino, Thomas Sansone, and the superb vocals of Elizabeth Dellinger
are at the core of all its best moments.

The hugely expansive "Festival At Sunset" is fuelled by Airborne's hallmark horn driven sound
and ripples with pleasing Latin grooves. Those same luscious tones and that same Latin intensity are
equally prevalent for "As We Journey". Soulful, and with a gospel message buried within, the track is illuminated
by the amazing voice of Elizabeth Dellinger and as the band continues to show its versatility they find,
in "Hillside Swing", a big band vibe that is uniquely Airborne.

Although "Smooth Sailing" is as melodic and in the pocket as its title suggests it might be the complexity
that the band often engenders is never too far away. "Native Search" draws clear influences from
Native American rhythms while "Drums Of Peace / Awakening" bristles with an African inflection
every bit as potent as Lamont Dozier's seminal "Going Back To My Roots".

The song's message is delivered in a hugely accessible way and this accessibility is again to the fore
with "What About Love". Totally typical of what Airborne do best, the band takes its time to build this
smoldering ballad in a way that others might not but, in doing so, produce a track of genuine substance.

Tight, edgy and spliced with wonderful backing vocals, "The Message" could be a synonym for everything
that Airborne represents and the band stays in soulful mode for "Can't Fight Love". Here sumptuous
horn riffs abound and the luscious vocals of Elizabeth Dellinger again portray just how influential her input invariably is.

In the final analysis, "Turbulence" is a fresh and eclectic mix that is well worth discovering.

Denis Poole - Smooth Jazz Therapy

Airborne is the type of group and Turbulence is the type of recording that represents what I love
about contemporary jazz. it,s like unwrapping an unexpected gift and discovering,
for the first time, something you like but didn't know existed.

It never ceases to amaze and at the same time perplex me , the sheer talent and
originality of jazz artists. This is good stuff - check it out!

Tons of percussion...tons of energy...tons of soul...that's what you're gonna hear in the fourth release from one of the

You can definitely hear and feel the positive vibes on HEAVY VIBES...on every song...in every performance.

They're obviously a powerfully positive force for jazz, and you can't miss the quality and energy on this project.

From the intoxicating Latin percussion that kicks off track 1 ("I See") right on through each and
every tune on HEAVY VIBES, you'll find yourself totally engaged in the Airborne experience

Scott O'Brien - Smoothjazz.com

Airborne are a multi-instrumental and multi-facet jazz band from New Haven, Connecticut and remind me
of the great jazz acts from the 80's and 90's such as Surface Noise, Rodney Franklin, Azymuth, Paul Hardcastle,
Mezzoforte, Shakatak and some their vocal harmonies resemble the great George Duke and Tom Browne.
Not surprising as the band was formed in the late 1980's when this style was particularly en vogue.

'Heavy Vibes' is the band's fourth CD release and is sure to follow on the success of the previous three which
enjoyed airplay on many Jazz Radio Stations throughout the US and abroad and received critical acclaim in
JazzTimes, Jazziz, Downbeat and Billboard to name but a few.

The album is a collection of smooth jazz, Latin jazz and soulful urban vocals sung by the lovely Elizabeth Delliger
and also rotated by saxman Thomas Sansone and Thomas Borino, the latter contribute the spine of the set with
some creative piano and keyboard solos from Borino and Kirk Whalum / Najee style sax from Sansone.

The beauty about this album is that it stretches out beyond the jazz idiom and crosses over to the current urban soul
and dance charts but the intoxicating driving sounds are also reminiscent of the early Spyro Gyra, Fattburger,
Mezzoforte and Shakatak with Gregory Borino's guitars exchanging front and centre stage with
the keyboards of Thomas Borino on the opening drive time cut entitled 'I See'.
This is just one of the styles which demands attention on this fine recipe for today's urban vocal / jazz formulae.

Some of the harmonies are straight out of the Spyro Gyra catalogue like those on 'Hip Hop' which remind me of
Jay Beckenstein, Tom Schuman and John Tropea on their 'Catching The Sun' set from 1980 like 'Lizard Island' with
Sansone's soft flute caressing the melody line and the female backing vocals
with that George Duke 'Brazilian Love Affair' appeal.

This is totally a self penned album which is creditable on its own merits for the arrangements and performances.
It is obvious that this is a touring band which has been playing together for some 15 years which results
in some fine instrumental exchanges and idiomatic particulars which come from many years of performing together.

It is an album which requires a number of plays to eclipse the full menu on offer and the creativity behind the scenes.

One for the more discerning smooth jazz fans and the 'Old School' jazz fusion fans who lived through the last two decades

of the twentieth century. One I thoroughly enjoyed and brought me back to a musical flavor which has personal memories.

Wes Gillespie - JazzNet247 Radio

There are no overnight success stories in music land. That phenomenon doesn't happen here. Years of honing ones craft, enhancing natural gifts, talents, and abilities and learning new skills are how extraordinary bands are formed and celebrated solo acts are created.

In the late 1980's, Airborne, the multi-cultural band hailing from New Haven, Connecticut, was formed with one purpose in mind; to make great music. With total dedication to the process of making their music pop, these musicians honed their skills, enhanced their natural talents and abilities and morphed into an exciting entertainment unit. Over time, fifteen years plus, Airborne has built a solid reputation as outstanding artists. They have toured and performed at jazz festivals, in music venues, colleges, and nightclubs in the US, Europe, and Japan. The members are, drum roll please, Thomas Borino (piano, organ, keyboards, vocals), Thomas Sansone (sax, flute, vocals), Gregory Borino (Guitars, vocals), Steven Clarke (bass, vocals), Asher Delerme (Latin & African percussion), and Lady Elizabeth Dellinger (vocals).

As Performing Artists, Recording Artists, Educators, and as Humanitarians the band's quality of excellence and compassion has kept them on the road to success

Flying High - By Lynda Malloy-Glover - Abyssjazz Magazine

Heavy Vibes is the latest release from the smooth jazz and fusion band Airborne, a group that has been around since the eighties and consists of family, friends and above all terrific musicians. It is their fourth release and with it they are re-igniting genuine old school jazz fusion in a way that is part 5th Dimension and part Ambrosia with just a hint of Tower Of Power thrown in for good measure. In fact this ultra tight collection of twelve tracks breathes influences from many quarters but in doing so manages to establish a unique identity that is all about Airborne.

A multi cultural product of the bands home town of New Haven CT, their sound is driven by guitar man Greg Borino who produces the album and shares the writing credits with band members Thomas Sansone, Thomas Borino and Elizabeth Dellinger. It's the Greg Borino composition "I See" that kicks off the collection with a sound that is reminiscent of The Rippingtons. With the lead being rotated between guitar, horns and keys they generate what the band quickly establish as their full hallmark sound but it's with "Trust In Love" that Airborne first demonstrate what really makes them tick. Throughout the album male lead vocals are swapped between Thomas Sansome and Thomas Borino and, as here, whenever they segue with the sultry urban tones of Elizabeth Dellinger something invariably wonderful happens. In addition, with this soulful and expansive number, they reinvent the kind of epic six minute plus track that was commonplace in the eighties but, until now, seemed to have gone out of fashion. Not any more as no less than seven of the tunes are of a duration of six minutes or more and it's a tribute to the energy the band generate that not one of them seem one second too long.

Another tune very much in the style of the Rippingtons is the grown up slice of smooth jazz "After The Storm"
while the band go Latin and then some with "Lizard Island". It starts off with the sound of the ocean lapping on the shore then rolls on with the warm tones of Sansone on flute and cool piano from Thomas Borino that is much in the style of Brian Simpson. Flute is again featured to wonderful effect on "A Smooth Ride" and they return to the Latin beat with "Nicole", a track that features the melodic guitar of Greg Borino. The listener gets a surprise with "Hip Hop" which, contrary to what the title suggests, turns out to be a piece of classy smooth jazz with nice sax from Sansone. "Turn Me Around" offers up more excellent sax driven smooth jazz and when Elizabeth Dellinger gives way to Jeanmarie Rivera for the lead vocals on "To Be Loved" the band produce a sound that is funky, urban and uplifting all at the same time and a delicious throw back to the eighties.

That said, whenever Dellinger and the guys sing the band taken on an extra dimension. "You Are Everywhere" is an urban swinger on which they put their indelible mark while again are outstanding on the lusty and urban "A Ray Of Hope". My pick for best track on the album is 'Love Comes Back". Starting off in mellow mode and building with a truly memorable hook, Dellinger and Thomas Borino makes this a soulful modern day classic duet of the highest order.

With four albums to their credit, Airborne returns with a 12-track compact disc entitled "Heavy Vibes."
Accented with elements of straight-ahead jazz with Caribbean and Latino influences,
Airborne soars with musical intensity that is hard to ignore.

The New Haven, Conn., band formed in the late 1980s, presenting an example of a group who has survived
the ups and downs of a multifaceted career intermixed with dedication to music, skills and personal goals.

In listening to "Heavy Vibes," the listener will appreciate the romantic overtones in several tracks,
as well as the presentation of urban funk. Themes concerning peace, fun, excitement are visible as
Airborne shares their special cargo of high energy contemporary jazz.

The musical overtones of Airborne is strong, and listeners will appreciate "Heavy Vibes.

Natasha Washington - JazzReview.com

All of the musicians are very talented. On for instance is lead singer, Elizabeth Dellinger, who has a voice like R&B singer, Teena Marie. She's very soulful, especially on the track, "Trust in Love". I also enjoyed the track, "I See" where Airborne's musical style reminded me of Santana & The Rippingtons, very powerful and exhilarating.

The group Airborne describes their music as "Smooth Jazz & Vocals / Contemporary Jazz".
After listening to their music I can state, there is some jazz. Nevertheless Airborne has a hooking potential.
Today they present an album which let me sit up and take notice. Yes, they are really professionals.
Excellent musicianship on the whole album!

HBH - Hans-Bernd H'lsmann - Smooth & Soul

We featured Airborne's new "Heavy Vibes" CD on our "Afternoon Coffee Break" program.
We got calls asking about the CD the same hour! Good luck with this great musical offering!

The Hitman" Dan Turner - Program Director-88.9-FM KJLU, Jefferson City, Missouri

Great CD Guys!! I think it will do well here at our smooth jazz station in Nashville
Looking forward to added it and spinning it.

Chris Nochowicz Music Director 88.1 WFSK Nashville

The Heavy Vibes CD sounds great. We added it to our Show. Keep Jazzin!

SkyJazz Radio

Very nice music, guys!! Thanks for sending it to me! Very well done!

Not Too Smooth Jazz

Echo Smooth Jazz, Whitester Radio, Smooth Jazz Links, Jazz Review, Smoothjazz.com, Jazz Cafe, Smooth Jazz News

Featured Artist / CD Spotlights

" Good tunes, excellent professional musicians, warm-toned, yet razor-sharp precision and articulation, attractive lines, colors and interesting contours of the pieces, plus the voicings are consistent with the idiomatic instrumentation and direction. I am duly impressed with the group's bold assets and content. The band bodes well for the media and in in-person venues "

Dr. Herb Wong - International Association of Jazz Educators

" Highly original, multi-faceted quintet, Standout songwriters capture a variety of musical flavors in
highly accessible melodic forms without ever resorting to clich's.
Performances executed with great attention to detail reflect the joy of a highly complimentary group of players "

" A slick production of today's new contemporary jazz. The musicianship and compositions are excellent and tasteful.
The kind of band that makes people flock to the Newport Jazz Festival "

New England Performer

" A group that really epitomizes the concept of a band. Polished professionals, each member contributes to the sound.
No one fades into the background. Listening to them is a whirling musical journey packed with emotion and flawless execution

Mixx Magazine

" Airborne's musical recipe takes a can of straight ahead jazz with Caribbean and Latino influences.
Pours in a few tablespoons jazz fusion and a cup of urban street funk.
Then cooks all ingredients with pure technical talent till it gets boiling hot. "

Page One Profile

" A new direction in jazz, innovative and inspiring, bravo! "

New England Arts

" Reader's Poll #1 Jazz Band. Intense and fast-paced tunes. Superb and outstanding soloists.
The band is expanding to higher levels of musicianship "

Jazz Advocate

" A cool jazz sound and style. Awesome, dynamic, and unique.
Evokes images of the inner city. A brotherhood of talented musicians that naturally gel "

Hip Magazine

" A solid contemporary jazz band that fits into a standard industry format without forsaking it's inherent strengths and character. Thus is in direct competition with others that fit into this category"

Marty Kahn - Outward Visions

" Powerful, versatile, complex intricate arrangements perfectly executed.
Spotlighted with an added dimension of humility, attitude, professionalism, showmanship, and originality "