Ahhh, to be 21 years old and have so much talent! It’s what dreams are made of. And it doesn’t matter what those dreams may be. As long as, of course, you’re surrounded by the necessary means to mitigate those dreams into becoming a reality. A loving family. A loving community. A loving "radio station!" When all of these elements come together at the same for a prodigious Tampa Bay saxophonist known as Eric Darius, the future, obviously, looks impressively bright.

While still a student at the University Of South Florida, our musical son is already encountering a critical phase of his young career…his debut recording for Higher Octave. Spearheaded by the label’s founder, producer, composer, guitarist, and just "all-around" super human being and old friend Ken Navarro, Eric could not be in better hands. If you’re a fan Ken’s music, like we at WSJT have been for years, then you know that his innocent, pure, and finely tuned approach to composing positive and reassuring melodies can only stand to be the best influence one can hope for in launching a promising career, especially in one of the most promising formats in music today. Eric, like Ken, incorporates the same mentality when writing music…and that is to help the audience "feel" what they’re feeling. Anyone can write music for you to hear. It’s another thing to write music for you to "feel!"

The feeling’s mutual right from the start as Eric takes us for a ride with "Joy Ride," an up tempo, funky groove that may have been inspired by a drive over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on a sunny Saturday morning! Of course, he was probably "flooring" it when the title track "Night On The Town," the first single from his album, was conceived. (Shame on you, Eric, for speeding)! The two tunes form a pleasant balance with the more laid back melodies such as "Love TKO" and "Cruisin’" (both previously released by Eric), as well as with "In The Pocket," "Let It Flow," and my personal favorite, "Heads Up," which was co-written by Ken, and features his licks on rhythm guitar, keyboards, and percussion. The icing on the cake is provided by the vocal ballad "You’re So Fine" and the Al Green classic "Let’s Stay Together" which, appropriately so, features family members Shirley and Nadia on background vocals. (Sounds like a family affair to me).

But you know what, it has been a family affair. For years we’ve been watching "dad and manager" Serge Darius take his son from gig to gig all around the Tampa Bay area. From banquets to weddings, happy hours to grand openings, street parties to WSJT events, we’ve had the pleasure of seeing this young man evolve into not only a fine young adult, but into a potential superstar of the smooth jazz world. Everywhere he goes, you can’t help but admire how he is embraced. It is the power of music and the power of family that has molded Eric Darius into what he is today. And yet, it’s only the beginning!